Great Moments (and Horses) in Hollywood Park History

[Zenyatta]

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

[Zenyatta]

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

[Zenyatta]

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

[Zenyatta]

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.   

[The Tin Man]

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

[The Tin Man]

J. O. Tobin kicks Slew's butt!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lFmKe4t-V8s

[Zenyatta]

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. 

[The Tin Man]

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

[The Tin Man]

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. 

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. 

[Dusty]

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!

[Dusty]

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....

[The Tin Man]

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. 

[Dusty]

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

[Zenyatta]

Exceller's Hollywood Turf Invitational is one of the videos that should be added too.  That one is on You Tube too.

[serenassong]

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!