I know that sounds funny, but the horse so easy gets lost amid the fog of wagering. I can often be heard reminding the world that without the horse, we have nothing to race (except pigs and turtles, but it’s not quite the same).
There’s plenty more to it than just the fact that horses are beautiful creatures. I like horses that try, that give it their all, that know what it is they’re mean to do.
I spent the winter in Miami watching Shackleford and Dullahan at Gulfstream and got to spend a few days a week at Palm Meadows with Animal Kingdom and Union Rags and every awesome looking Pletcher pony.
But the highlight of my winter was Winter Memories. She has the rare ability to take my breath away every time I see her. The only other horses to do that? Zenyatta, Shackleford, Force Freeze, and Blind Luck. Not a bad bunch.
I don’t know if it’s the shiny gray coat, the neon orange wraps, the way she just goes about her business… she’s just all class. And why not? She’s racing royalty: by champion stallion El Prado, out of the G1 winning mare Memories of Silver.
Most horses quit when they get into trouble: Winter Memories thrives in it. Best when she’s bottled up and has to fight for position inside the quarter pole, the filly has amassed earnings of over $808k with 7 wins in 10 starts.
I can’t help but be a fan of a horse who just loves what she does.
Of all the videos I took all winter long, this is my favorite…
Best of luck to everyone on the Belmont Stakes card today!
