Today the equine world lost a beautiful young filly named Devil May Care, she was just four years young. I was hit with extreme shock and sadness when I opened my e-mail and saw the breaking news posted by Bloodhorse.com about Devil May Care losing her battle with lymphosarcoma, a form of cancer.
I saw her break her maiden in her first race at Saratoga on August 29, 2009. I have followed every step of her brief, great career, spanning just nine races in less then one year on the track.
Her victories included the Frizette Stakes (Grade I), Mother Goose Stakes (Grade I), BetFair TVG Coaching Club American Oaks (Grade I), and the Bonnie Miss Stakes (Grade II).
Devil May Care also finished 10th in last year's Kentucky Derby, where I was lucky enough to acquire her shoes and saddle cloth from this race, something I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Here is the breaking news I received in my E-mail from Bloodhorse, written by Esther Marr:
John Greathouse, Devil May Care's owner, sent the following letter to her fans:
The Devil May Care Family:
To all who have followed and been a part of Devil May Care’s racing life and her fight for life, she and I wish to thank and applaud all of you. The racing was a thrill and one not to be forgotten or dismissed out of hand.
To this day I don’t believe we ever saw her best race. But that is my opinion and will be saved for my memories.
To those who cared for her and her health, we both thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
We tried very hard, only to be overcome by lymphosarcoma, an enemy that we couldn’t beat.
We entered a race we couldn’t win.
In an ironic twist, a year ago today she was busy drawing post position 11 for the 136th Kentucky Derby.
She was our shining star...
John Greathouse
While every loss of these beautiful souls hurts, losing her and Kip Deville just hurts very deeply, I had thought both were on the mend and then to hear of them losing both their battles with cancer and laminitis, it just isn't right and makes no sense to me.
Here are some photos I was lucky enough to take of this brave, beautiful soul winning the Mother Goose Stakes at Belmont Park,
May She Rest In Peace...
Devil May Care (May 7, 2007-May 4, 2011)
Greg. thank you for this beautiful tribute to a wonderful young filly. I can't believe she is gone. I thought she was on the mend. My heart is broken today for her and for her connections and all that loved her. Run free in the golden paddocks of heaven.
ReplyDeleteSo sad. She joins an elite group in the golden padlocks of Heaven. Beautiful pictures of her. She was so toned and fit. Thank you Greg, for posting them.
ReplyDeleteThis is incredible.so beautiful and a glorious tribute to a champion..run in God's Golden Fields sweet one..Candace Serviss FOB Illinois
ReplyDeleteShe was a beautiful filly and I was so thrilled to hear she was entered in last year's Derby and then to see her there. I'd like to send condolences to her owner but don't know how to reach him, so hopefully he has seen the outpouring of love for his wonderful horse.
ReplyDeleteThank you Greg. I loved this filly and hoped to see her return. A gaggle of gal pals and I were hootin' and hollerin' for her at our KD party last year and all of us put "Girl Power" bets on her. When we gather this Saturday, those that don't already know will be devastated. Under Barbaro's watchful eye, may she run pain free across the Rainbow Bridge. diastu
ReplyDeleteI still cannot believe she is gone, thanks for the kind words on my tribute to her...
ReplyDeleteThank you, Greg, for this tribute and sharing the wonderful photos of Devil May Care - she was such a beautiful filly. It is so sad that her life was cut short by this horrible disease. My heart goes out to her connections.
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