Also as far as traveling. Taking nothing away from Dahlia who was a very nice filly. But traveling from England to Ireland is rather like saying a horse went from NY to Arlington Park. And going from The British Isles to France was very common and not a big deal as many horses did it. Traveling to North America and winning big races is something, because it was becoming more common to come to America from Europe, but it still was a big strain.
I always loved Pistol Packer. Unfortunately she was in Mill reefs year for the Arc
Yes Footlick. Allez and Dahlia raced several times and she never beat Allez. When Dahlia came to this country and won races like the MOW so easily, commentators said that meant Allez France was some kind of monster. Which of course she was.
Footlick. Do you remember a filly who raced in France who was a daughter of Gun Bow. Her name was Pistol Packer and she was a personal favorite of mine.
Granville finished last in the 1936 Derby but became HOY.
Saw Dahlia win the MOW very easily on the grass. Nice filly. Thought Allez was better though
Both Northern Dancer and Native Dancer lost because of rider errors, in my opinion. Hartack completely misjudged the pace in the Belmont and cost Northern Dancer the TC. He would mess up again with Majestic Prince in 1969 allowing again to get caught with a very slow pace. Native Dancer lost the Derby because Guerin took him everywhere but the men's room. He was fouled at least twice and still managed to finishe second. Both deserve better scores.
The only horse to ever beat two TC winners. Horrible ending that could have been avoided. There is a fund the Exceller fund that helps other horses not end up as he did. Also many other places that do the same thing. Our Mims takes care of brood mares. southern Calif rescue--the Seabiscuit Rescue takes care of horses found in feedlots in Calif. best Friends helps horses as well. There are so many funds that help horses to avoid the slaughterhouse. If you are horrified about what happened with Exceller, please consider donating to these funds or others.
I'm glad. RR deserves a nice retirement where his fans can see him.
Great story. Thanks for keeping us up to date on Indiana racing. Being from the east coast I Have never felt the Midwest was just one thing to fly over to get to the west coast