Railbird 2004–2019

Miscellany Archive

“One Thing After Another”

It’s like the New York Times Magazine’s Diagnosis column, only written by a veterinarian (Thoroughbred Times).

Posted in Miscellany on July 19, 2004

Happy Horse Stories

Calder’s Summit of Speed Rocket Man stakes winner, Pembroke Hall, is a horse with one asset — “raw, unadulterated speed, the reason why he’s the king of the 440-yard dash” (ESPN).

The filly America America wins and wins — with walks in the woods, no medication, and the care of a loving trainer and owner. “Mourier may be considered unconventional by other trainers, but he believes in racing a happy horse naturally, with grass and fresh air” (Daily Racing Form).

“Through his adventures as a handicapper and a horse owner, Dan Lynch learned that certain racehorses have a way of making people suspend their better judgment. Even so, he figured, no one would be foolish enough to claim Rough Draft when the horse returned to the track last year.” Oh, but they did. And Mr. Lynch bought him right back for $7500 (Star Tribune).

Posted in Miscellany on July 16, 2004

Letters to Smarty

A month after Belmont, and the fan mail keeps coming …

Dear Smarty Jones, I am thrilled to know you are training for your next challenge in life…. It amazes me how you run and reminded me of Secretariat and Seabiscuit. And some other famous horses who run so fast.

– – – – – 

Their grace, beauty soar
Their hoofs thunder down the track
Crowds cheer: Smarty Jones

(New York Times)

Posted in Miscellany on July 8, 2004

Not Such a Surprise

“Smarty Jones inspires names for horses” (Boston Globe).

Posted in Miscellany on July 1, 2004