Margano Joins New Trainer

Being Preakness Week, which will bring up bad memories for racing fans, and especially for the FOB's, I figured this news would help ease the pain a little. 

The news is in regards to Barbaro's little brother, Margano.

It looks like Roy and Gretchen Jackson have made the decision to have Margano join the barn of Mr. Barclay Tagg, who is home based at Belmont Park in Elmont New York. 

Margano, a two year old colt sired by Dynaformer and produced from La Ville Rouge on March 10, 2009 at Mill Ridge Farm, is the full brother to Barbaro, Nicanor, and Lentenor.  Also, Mill Ridge Farm reported today that La Ville Rouge is still very pregnant and due any day now!

Margano recently made the trek up north from Ocala, Florida.  Just like his brothers before him, Margano started his training at Stephens Thoroughbreds down in Florida.

I feel for Mr. Matz and his staff, being that this is the first brother that won't be under their guidance, but in the long run, it might benefit all those involved.  I just hope Margano gets the care and love that Barbaro, Nicanor, and Lentenor recieved from all in Mr. Matz's barn, they are a class act!

The Jacksons (Lael Stable) have had numerous horses under the guidance of Mr. Tagg in the past and presently have quite a few in Mr. Tagg's barn. 

I would have to say, one of the more prominent horses the Jackson's trusted with Mr. Tagg was one of my favorites, the Champion Showing Up.  Showing Up was a multiple Graded Stakes Winner, winner of the 2006 Grade II Coolmore Lexington Stakes, 2006 Grade I Secretariat Stakes, 2006 Grade II Jamaica Breeders' Cup Handicap, and the 2006 Grade I Hollywood Derby. 

Showing Up also placed sixth in the 2006 Kentucky Derby, a race that Margano's big brother Barbaro won.  In Showing Up's last race, the Grade 2 Maker's Mark Mile on April 13th 2007, he placed second behind another true Champion, Kip Deville.  Showing Up finished his brief, but brilliant career, with a record of 10 Starts, 7 Wins, 1 Second, and 1 Third, with career earning's of $1,660,500.

I completely trust the judgement and faith that Roy and Gretchen Jackson have entrusted with Mr. Tagg and his staff.  This could not have been a easy decision for them to make, but, if they think it is in the best interest of Margano, then that is good enough for me! 


It will be exciting to see Margano begin his journey on the track as he matures into a racehorse. 


Wishing nothing but the best for Margano, now and in the future. 



Margano on Sunday, May 8th, at Belmont Park (he is on far right!)
(Penn's Grant, Coco Diamond, and Margano)

(Photo by Nancy Rokos)



Margano at Stephens Thoroughbreds on April 9, 2011
 

(Photo by Kira)



Striking a Pose (Mill Ridge Farm, May 13, 2010)

(Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt)

Romping in the field (Mill Ridge Farm, May 13, 2010)

(Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt)



Nicanor, Lentenor, Margano



Godspeed Margano...



*UPDATED*

Here is Margano's newest little brother, and their Mother, La Ville Rouge (Thank You to Mill Ridge Farm for posting the photos!)



Mill Ridge Website:

http://www.millridge.com/barbaros-family.aspx

Nicanor Racing Tomorrow, Blinkers On!

It what looks like a carbon copy of Nicanor's race here back on September 24th, Nicanor will be racing tomorrow (May 12th) at Belmont Park in the Island Sun Stakes.  The race is scheduled to go off about 2:36, race #4 of nine on the card.  The race will be run on the turf at a perfect distance of one mile.  While the Island Sun drew 25 nominations, a field of seven will be competing in the one turn mile race (Arson Squad was also entered, but as a main track only entry, no chance of the race being taken off the turf, since we will have a perfect, firm turf course due to great weather all week!).  Ramon Dominquez will be riding Nicanor once again (Ramon rode Nicanor to victory back in September, going wire to wire for the win!).

Blinkers on!

Yes, Nicanor will once again be doing his best impersonation of Zorro, wearing his black blinkers for the first time since maiden and first-level allowance wins at Delaware Park in 2009.  A definite sign that Ramon will take Nicanor straight to the lead, and, hopefully, never look back.  I love this decision by Mr. Matz, while it is obvious Nicanor hates wearing his blinkers, he is more focused when he runs with them.  The trick will be getting the blinkers on prior to the race, I am sure Nicanor will do everything in his power to make this very difficult for Mr. Matz to accomplish!

Here is a video I shot of Nicanor prior to his race at Delaware Park on June 17, 2009.  As you can see, Nicanor is a hand full while getting his Zorro blinkers put on (sorry about the quality of the video, it was raining and I had my not-so-good camera!):




While Nicanor's race back in September was run at a slightly longer distance (1 1/16 miles), this race should (I hope), play out the same way.  Take Nicanor to the lead, establish moderate fractions (look for splits at each quarter mile around :25, :49, and 1:13), and then see if Nicanor can hold off the field coming down the stretch.  Nicanor has an ideal spot, breaking from the two hole, so I honestly think he can get the lead and have the race play out like I mentioned.


Here is a replay of Ramon and Nicanor back at Belmont Park in September:





Here is the field for the Island Sun Stakes:

1. (#2)  Lubash, ridden be Jose Lezcano, trained by James Ryerson, morning line of 8-1 odds.

2. (#1)  NICANOR, ridden by Ramon Dominquez, trained by Michael Matz, morning line of 3-1 odds!

3. (#1A)  Beau Choix, ridden by Alan Garcia, trained by Barclay Tagg, morning line of 3-1 odds.

4. (#3)  Zifzaf, ridden by Alex Solis, trained by James Toner, morning line of 7-2 odds.

5. (#4)  Flat Bold, ridden by Javier Castellano, trained by Thomas Albertrani, morning line of 12-1 odds.

6. (#5)  Krypton, ridden by Eddie Castro, trained by Kiaran McLaughlin, morning line of 3-1 odds.

7. (#6)  Right One, ridden by Rajiv Maragh, trained by Christophe Clement, morning line of 5-2 odds.

(Nicanor and Beau Choix are a coupled entry, Nicanor owned by The Jacksons (Lael stable), Beau Choix owned by Belle Meadows Stable & Lael Stable).

I will have a full breakdown of this very evenly matched field tonight (since I am off to work this morning and don't have time right now to post my thoughts on the field, thanks for your patience!)

Some photos of Nicanor at Belmont Park on September 24th:

Godspeed Nicanor...

Devil May Care, Rest In Peace Beautiful Girl...

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:

 http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/62860/devil-may-care-loses-battle-with-cancer#ixzz1LQiykkEh

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)

A Visit to Dyna King / “Gifted”

Heart of Tucson Rescue

April 9, 2011

Mike Relva and Diana Stuart

(All photos provided by Diana Stuart)

On an uncharacteristically cold and rainy April day, Family of Barbaro Blog members Mike Relva (Tennessee) and Diana Stuart (Arizona) had the honor and pleasure of visiting Heart of Tucson Rescue to get up close and personal with Dyna King (“Gifted”) and the “heart of Heart” Judy Glore and her husband Mark. What an amazing visit! Judy and Mark graciously introduced us to Dyna King and most of the other rescue horses on the property. Some had wonderful stories. Some had tragic stories. Some stories remain unfinished. But all the stories of all these animals point to one Big Thing: Every living creature deserves a second chance at a quality life and the care of loving hands!

We brought carrots, peppermints, alfalfa pellets, supplements, and money. But we took away something far more valuable - a deep seated respect for what Heart does, how they do it, and the incredible results they are able to achieve on a virtual shoestring. We became part of the family. And of course, we nuzzled, kissed, petted, and loved on Dyna King, son of Dynaformer, genetic half brother to Barbaro, and the unwitting emergent poster child for the critical needs of horse rescues throughout the equine world!

In spite of the showers and muddy ground, Dyna King was friendly and frisky, doing a “happy dance” with his hind legs as he trotted around his covered paddock. Tendons and muscles still healing and strengthening from his abuse and neglect, his “happy dance” was unthinkable even two months ago. His shovel-shaped hooves of four months ago look mostly normal now thanks to little nips and tucks and tweaks almost daily. The x-rays of his fetlocks and foot structure show almost dramatic improvement. His coat and body condition don’t even come close to the skeleton with fur we all saw in early photos. He has put on a lot of weight and his coat is sleek and smooth to the touch.

Dyna King is a happy horse; a happy-to-be-alive horse; and most importantly, a horse that tells you when he looks at you that he is not done fighting yet. Not even close. Some may say he is unlucky, but I say he is one of the luckiest horses in the world. Fate dropped him into the perfect helping hands at just the perfect moment. He is alive! He is thriving! And if his body English and behavior can be believed, Dyna King is clearly bent on proving the naysayers wrong and living up to his nickname: Gifted!



Dyna King & Judy
"Hi Big Guy"



Dyna King & Judy Having a Chat



A Sweet Moment. 

It is not hard to see the love and trust between Dyna King and Judy.

Judy Whispers to Dyna King



Diana Stuart Meets Dyna King



In the Presence of Royalty?  Dyna King & Diana





Diana Watching Dyna King Eat

Dyna King Finishing Off His Bucket

A Kiss for a King,  Dyna King & Diana

Mike Relva Meets Dyna King

Dyna King Nuzzles Mike

Where's My Carrot Mike?

A Beautiful Face and a Happy Story
Mike and Judy with a 27-year old Quarter Horse rescue
 who gives horsemanship lessons to small children---and timid
adults maybe?

Sadie Wants Some Love Too!
This sweet Percheron mare was rescued from a PMU operation and after
further traumas along the way, given a well deserved retirement
at HEART of Tucson.

Hitting Cinco's Sweet Spot
Judy foaled out this stunning paint.  He was born at
5:55 AM on 5-5-2005!


Here are some more photos of Dyna King and
HEART of Tucson's newest member,
little eight week old Geevers !
(Photos taken by Mia Larocque)

Little Geevers
"The Introduction"

Geevers Learning to Walk the Horses !

Well done little Geevers !

Dyna King Proudly Wearing His New Blanket !
Joining the Dance once again :)

Dyna King !!!

A Huge Thank You to Diana, Mike, Judy, and All the Amazing Volunteers
at HEART of Tucson.


Remember,
Dyna King has come so far in such a short time, but, he still has a long way to go.
With his incredible will to live,  the loving care he receives every day, and
with the help of everyone that has donated and continues to do so,
I just know he will make it!


Here is a link to HEART of Tucson's website,
You can help Dyna King/Gifted by donating in the left margin,  
any amount would help in his continuing care.


HEART of Tucson Website



 Dyna King has touched my heart more then
you know, and everyone that has helped in his cause, Thank You !!!

*For those not familiar with Dyna King's story,
here is a how he found Judy and his new lease
on life:

"In the Spirit of Christmas"