I must start this topic off with the horse that got me interested in thoroughbred racing as a child. It was only fitting that I would be reading the Black Stallion (in this case, it was a black gelding!) when I became a fangirl of Native Diver.
Remarkably, he won stakes races at 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. And that blaze. That keyhole-shaped blaze is one that cannot ever be duplicated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oo_5NHzOA3g
And one of the greatest beats Gamely and Rising Market, two names I remember quite well. He didn't scare anyone away either, but it could be because so many before him had lost this race with a 130 lb impost (including Round Table, Swaps and Kelso).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O9bucY6hLbA
And speaking of one of the greatest, I fondly recall starting a thread "over there" entitled "Zenyatta, the next Personal Ensign" after watching this race. Everyone thought I was nuts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrcxr4EZYZs
Perhaps, with help from media sources, I may be able to get a You Tube link to the one single race I remember above any other - even Zenyatta's race(s). Crossing fingers. Will leave everyone in suspense for now. ;)
Landaluce makes our eyes pop with a romp for the ages in a hand ride all of the way!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFIlF6VpOW0
J. O. Tobin kicks Slew's butt!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFmKe4t-V8s
I was going to add the J O Tobin defeat of Seattle Slew, however I felt sorry for poor Slew, who was beat after a hard TC trail and should have never run in the Swaps in the first place. If there was ever a poor decision made by connections, this was it. :headshake:
Lava's 3rd Hollywood Gold Cup ... I was right there with my nose on the finish line! Most exciting and historic race that I've ever witnessed in person!
I hit the trifecta on it too! Paid $185.90 ... Always loved Big Booster and this day ... he made this trifecta for me ... Damn near stole the win too!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ze6uRBSzqMs
Quote from: Zenyatta on November 07, 2013, 09:14:45 PM
I was going to add the J O Tobin defeat of Seattle Slew, however I felt sorry for poor Slew, who was beat after a hard TC trail and should have never run in the Swaps in the first place. If there was ever a poor decision made by connections, this was it. :headshake:
This is all true ... But that being said ... It doesn't take away the fact that this was one of the most memorable races ever at Hollywood Park. 8)
Quote from: Zenyatta on November 07, 2013, 08:26:15 PM
And speaking of one of the greatest, I fondly recall starting a thread "over there" entitled "Zenyatta, the next Personal Ensign" after watching this race. Everyone thought I was nuts.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrcxr4EZYZs
OOOHHH - the second race got me on board!
Quote from: The Tin Man on November 07, 2013, 09:16:39 PM
Lava's 3rd Hollywood Gold Cup ... I was right there with my nose on the finish line! Most exciting and historic race that I've ever witnessed in person!
I hit the trifecta on it too! Paid $185.90 ... Always loved Big Booster and this day ... he made this trifecta for me ... Damn near stole the win too!
I soooo wanted AP Xcellent to win this one....
Quote from: Dusty on November 07, 2013, 10:00:46 PM
Quote from: The Tin Man on November 07, 2013, 09:16:39 PM
Lava's 3rd Hollywood Gold Cup ... I was right there with my nose on the finish line! Most exciting and historic race that I've ever witnessed in person!
I hit the trifecta on it too! Paid $185.90 ... Always loved Big Booster and this day ... he made this trifecta for me ... Damn near stole the win too!
I soooo wanted AP Xcellent to win this one....
I didn't ... But I'll tell you what ... AP Xcellent impressed the hell out of me and scared the hell out of me! I wanted history and his gutsy gutsy run all of the way through damn near denied it to me.
When they crossed the line in front of me, I really thought he'd gotten Lava.
I'm normally Xcellent at calling close finishes, but I missed that one and am/was very happy I did.
Your boy AP may not have gotten the win, but he certainly did you proud. ;)
Quote from: The Tin Man on November 07, 2013, 10:15:12 PM
Quote from: Dusty on November 07, 2013, 10:00:46 PM
Quote from: The Tin Man on November 07, 2013, 09:16:39 PM
Lava's 3rd Hollywood Gold Cup ... I was right there with my nose on the finish line! Most exciting and historic race that I've ever witnessed in person!
I hit the trifecta on it too! Paid $185.90 ... Always loved Big Booster and this day ... he made this trifecta for me ... Damn near stole the win too!
I soooo wanted AP Xcellent to win this one....
I didn't ... But I'll tell you what ... AP Xcellent impressed the hell out of me and scared the hell out of me! I wanted history and his gutsy gutsy run all of the way through damn near denied it to me.
When they crossed the line in front of me, I really thought he'd gotten Lava.
I'm normally Xcellent at calling close finishes, but I missed that one and am/was very happy I did.
Your boy AP may not have gotten the win, but he certainly did you proud. ;)
He sure ran his heart out - I so wanted it for Exceller
Exceller's Hollywood Turf Invitational is one of the videos that should be added too. That one is on You Tube too.
Had a dream last night that Hollywood Park was saved, and I was there at the track. Such a nice dream, did not want to wake up. Now, if real life could imitate that, it would be awesome!
Quote from: serenassong on December 03, 2013, 04:38:29 AM
Had a dream last night that Hollywood Park was saved, and I was there at the track. Such a nice dream, did not want to wake up. Now, if real life could imitate that, it would be awesome!
I vote for your dream! :puppykisses:
One of the most heartwarming episodes in HP history occurred after Zenyatta's last race. Of course she had been stabled there her entire career. And after she came "home" for the final time from Churchill Downs, and was awaiting her trip to her second career, her connections opened up the barn area to visitors so her many fans could come - get up close and personal with the great mare - and say goodbye. And come they did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0jQmGJ4hG8
Quote from: Vic in Chicago on December 03, 2013, 06:40:46 AM
One of the most heartwarming episodes in HP history occurred after Zenyatta's last race. Of course she had been stabled there her entire career. And after she came "home" for the final time from Churchill Downs, and was awaiting her trip to her second career, her connections opened up the barn area to visitors so her many fans could come - get up close and personal with the great mare - and say goodbye. And come they did!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0jQmGJ4hG8
Seeking and standing next to Zenyatta at one of the HP "meet and greets" was one of my top horse racing experiences.
Right up there with Giant Oak's Donn Handicap victory, the Oakster's appearance on the cover of Bloodhorse, and his ranking as the world's top race horse (for one week), of course!
The HP goodbye tribute to Zenyatta was heartwarming as well. I watched on TV.
When they led her off the track one final time on her way to the Kentucky breeding shed and played, "Thanks for the Memories," I teared up.
She certainly did leave us with lots of good memories!