A microcosm of life.............................
That's what horse racing is. We come upon new friends in horses who race for our pleasure, and just as quickly they leave our lives, giving us memories that will stick with us as long as we live. Yesterday, Real Quiet passed away following a freak accident in his paddock, gone at the age of 15. 12 years ago, he missed becoming the 12th Triple Crown holder by the scantest of noses at Belmont. Trained by Bob Baffert and owned by Mike Pegram, Real Quiet won the first 2 legs of the Crown for a trainer who had another horse win the first 2 legs of the elusive Crown just the year before, with Silver Charm. RQ was one of 2 top three year olds that Baffert had that year, winning the Santa Anita Derby over stable mate Indian Charlie, en route to the Kentucky Derby and Preakness wins. He was a durable horse, winning graded stakes long after the Triple Crown was finished. I lost touch with him after he quit running until I met my dearest friend Stephanie, who let Real Quiet introduce her to the sport, and follows his siblings to this day. While he was stabled in PA, Steph, Brooke and I went to see him 4 years ago in July at Regal Air Farm, and 3 years ago in October, Steph and I stopped to see RQ at Pin Oak Lane Farm on the way to seeing his son, Midnight Lute, win the first of his 2 Breeders Cup Sprint Championships at Monmouth Park.
Steph and Real Quiet at Pin Oak Lane in 2007:
After a year where we lost Kip Deville and Skip Away, the loss of Real Quiet is so hard to take.
And one day later, Rachel Alexandra, the filly who completed the most exciting 3 year old campaign since Affirmed and Seattle Slew, was retired from racing. Her 4 year old campaign was solid, but not as close to the standard that she set as a 3 year old, a standard that will stand for years to come. Her Kentucky Oaks, Preakness, Mother Goose, Haskell and Woodward were gritty and awe inspiring. May she bear many champions in her shadow for years to come.
Steph and Real Quiet at Pin Oak Lane in 2007:
After a year where we lost Kip Deville and Skip Away, the loss of Real Quiet is so hard to take.
And one day later, Rachel Alexandra, the filly who completed the most exciting 3 year old campaign since Affirmed and Seattle Slew, was retired from racing. Her 4 year old campaign was solid, but not as close to the standard that she set as a 3 year old, a standard that will stand for years to come. Her Kentucky Oaks, Preakness, Mother Goose, Haskell and Woodward were gritty and awe inspiring. May she bear many champions in her shadow for years to come.