A bittersweet tale of Chocolate + Roses

OK, I am officially declaring my Derby choice ~ the delectably delicious CHOCOLATE CANDY. The reasoning ... the Derby is presented by Yum! Brands and we all know Chocolate Candy is yummy! He is out of a mare by Triple Crown winner Seattle Slew, and his 2nd dam sired by Alydar is a half-sister to Triple Crown winner Affirmed. He is owned by a really cool lady, business guru Jenny Craig and and most importantly he is the baby of a real modern day love story ...

Bred by Sid & Jenny Craig, Chocolate Candy's current success is particularly poignant as the colt is by one of the Craigs' top runners, Candy Ride (Arg), who captured the 2003 Pacific Classic (G1) and retired undefeated. Sid Craig loved horse racing ---- he died last summer during the racing season at the Del Mar racetrack, his favorite time of year ---- and the one thing he wanted to do most in the game was win the first leg of the sport's Triple Crown races.

"We saw the movie 'The Bucket List' together," Jenny Craig said, "and afterwards I asked him if there was anything he hadn't done that he really would like to do, and he said, 'Yes. Win the Kentucky Derby.'

This isn't the Craigs' first foray into the Kentucky Derby; they have owned three previous Derby entries. The couple enjoyed a unique Derby experience in 1992 when Jenny purchased English Group 1 star Dr Devious (Ire) for $2.5 million for her husband's 60th birthday, with a view toward winning the Kentucky Derby (G1). Unfortunately, he finished seventh in the Run for the Roses, but he returned to England to capture the Epsom Derby (Eng-G1).

In her 2004 autobiography, “The Jenny Craig Story: How One Woman Changes Millions of Lives,” Jenny offered the following portrait of her husband: “Sid … has the charisma of a Jack Kennedy, the intelligence of an Alan Greenspan, the creative mind of a Steven Spielberg, and the humor of a Jackie Mason, along with the good looks of a Clark Gable.”

To date, CHOCOLATE CANDY is Craig's best contender to capture the roses, "I have a lot of people that are pulling for Chocolate Candy to win. If that means anything, then we have a good shot. This has been a very emotional ride. It's bittersweet because I'm thrilled we're getting the opportunity to run in the Derby, but I truly wish Sid was here... It was his dream."

Source: North Country Times & KentuckyDerby.com

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UR new crop of foals carries our own rosey dreams for a Derby win too. This year's colts are rich with the blood of many Derby winners; Unbridled 1990, SEATTLE SLEW 1977, WHIRLAWAY 1941, Fusaichi Pegasus 2000, Dust Commander 1970, Nothern Dancer 1964 and War Admiral 1937.

Unbridled's grandson (pictured) is beginning a tale of his own ...

Unbridled Joy & Swan Song of Sadness

At 2AM on April 11th , once again, I stood in awe at the wonder of equine life witnessing the instincts of a new foal and the gentle touch of a once ferocious race mare as she welcomed her newborn colt to planet earth. It was a vision of pure joy as our sweet boy stood and nursed gaining strength and coordination with each breath; it was the reward of 11 months of care and sacrafice. His extra long legs required and extra measure of effort with every step; a stride that will serve him well as he turns for home in the Travers --- like his daddy TEN MOST WANTED…..so I dream.

As the dawn of a glorious new day came forth so did the sad news of oppressed thoroughbreds located just 20 minutes from stall in which I had just experienced such joy. Center Brook Farm in Climax, NY had been raided by the State Police and its 177 horses were now in the care and custody of the Columbia-Greene Humane Society.

Like many a viewer, I was horrified by the pictures of very skinny, mangey, muddy horses and simultaneously daunted at knowing the responsibility that would fall upon caretakers in providing for these animals.

Thoroughbreds, more than any other breed, require a lot of feed, it is not unusual for a mare to consume 25 lbs of grain in 24 hours and a full bale of hay -- this alone is $15 per day. In the case of 176 horses it is nearly $2500 per day - $17,500 per week - over $75,000 per month to properly nourish them.

At this point, however this situation came about is irrelevant to its immediate solution, that it is an issue that seriously needs to be addressed in a huge way to see that this scenario does not repeat itself. Right now, the bottom line is these horses, many the relatives of horses that we have all made a living from NEED OUR HELP and they NEED IT FAST. The team at the Columbia-Greene Humane Society (CGHS) is working overtime and single-handedly paying for the food for these horses.

CGHS needs cash donations and the horses is need safe appropriate homes. With all my heart I am asking every reader, fan, partner & friend, every horse lover, and every racing aficionado to please give, every donation makes a difference, in some cases between life and death. Please help the CGHS help the horses -- the same equine that we make a living from and the same equine that bring us joy unmeasured.

Here is the contact info: Call 518-828-6044, extension 101 and speak with Katrina. You can also email cghsuser001@aol.com.

Please include your name and phone number on all telephone and email messages.

More Details: http://www.cghs.org/horses.htm

Donations: http://www.cghs.org/donation.htm

This story has been covered nationwide in mainstream media from USA Today to the NY Daily News, Today Show and extensively in equine publications, local papers and a hot topic on blogs and chat boards.

It is a man's sympathy with all creatures that truly makes him a man. Until he extends his circle of compassion to all living things, man himself will not find peace. Albert Schweitzer, 1875-1965, German Born Medical Missionary, Theologian, Musician, and Philosopher

Unbridled Excitement

You can't swing a cat without hitting a relative of Unbridled in this year's Derby picture, but I am not advocating you try either swinging a cat or avoiding this group of three-year-olds. There will be at least a handful of Unbridled descendants that will have a great chance to follow in his footsteps and win Kentucky Derby 135. Click here to read the full story on BloodHorse.com

This is a wonderful account of Unbridled's racing career complete with video's of Unbridled's important stakes wins and the most precious moment in racing which inspires me every day -- Carl Nafzger's call of the Derby stretch run to Mrs. Genter.

Derby Barbie Unveiled by CDI and Mattel | BloodHorse.com News

Derby Barbie Unveiled by CDI and Mattel | BloodHorse.com News

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"Clint" Eastwood steps out on the Ranch...

36 hours after arriving Clint stands tall on the ranch...





“The horse is an archetypal symbol which will always find ways to stir up deep and moving ancestral memories in every human being.” ~ Paul Mellon

Paul Mellon KBE was an American philanthropist, thoroughbred racehorse owner/breeder. He is one of only four people ever designated "Exemplars of Racing" by the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. He was co-heir to one of America's greatest business fortunes, created by his grandfather Thomas Mellon, his father Andrew W. Mellon, and his father's brother Richard B. Mellon. In 1957, when Fortune prepared its first list of the wealthiest Americans, it estimated that Paul Mellon, his sister Ailsa Mellon-Bruce, and his cousins Sarah Mellon and Richard King Mellon, were all amongst the richest eight people in the United States, with fortunes of between 400 and 700 million dollars each.*
But, more importantly, Paul Mellon is the Breeder of Dark of The Moon, the mother of "Clint" Eastwood...

*Source: www.QuotesDaddy.com and Wikipedia

Thoroughbreds are such stuff that dreams are made of…

From winning a local race to conquering Cups around the World, thoroughbreds bring us joy unmeasured and enrich our lives in every way. Breeding and raising horses is an awesome responsibility which bears much planning and forethought. After 8 consecutive nights with my eyes glued to the foaling monitor, I am delighted to finally introduce our beautiful new colt “Clint“. My partner Andrew, who lovingly supports my horse habit, had his eyes on Eastwood in the western classic Unforgiven when nature called.

Clint (pictured below with Andrew) arrived at 10:30PM on March 23, 2009. He is big, healthy, and strong; we are blessed with his presence and look forward to our time with him. As with the birth of each new horse, hope springs eternal. No matter what its breed, each foal comes with a renewal of our own youth and inspires us to dare to dream. Standing stall side as we watch our newborn take its first steps we can here the crowd’s roar as the stretch call plays out, we see the victory and we experience the euphoria that only a horse can bring to our mind; a win at Saratoga, the run for the roses, an entry on the Breeder’s Cup Day, a trophy held high and a bloodline brought forth to influence generations thereafter. Even though we know the odds of a champion thoroughbred are literally about 36,000 to 1 we endure the endless daily chores of raising our horse as if he or she is the “one“.

To many, thoroughbreds are a commodity, worth only what they can win. They are raised in luxury and kept better then most people live until they falter. It is then that too many are discarded in disgust because they weren’t fast enough or weren’t sound enough. Perhaps they should have never been bred in the first place; perhaps they didn’t receive the right nutrition or their parents were poorly matched. Whatever the reason, remember, the horse didn’t ask to come into this world or be placed in the service of racing.

Along with the privilege of breeding thoroughbreds is, or at the very least should be, the very daunting realization of the moral responsibility that comes with bringing a life into this world to ultimately serve human pleasures. In and of itself this obligates those of with a conscience to plan for the care and well-being of this magnificent animal throughout its time with us here on earth; anything short of that is simply unconscionable and represents totally irresponsible breeding.

Horses are not a commodity, they are a precious living breathing gift from God. Whether racing, steeplechasing, show jumping, eventing, pleasure riding, pasturing or performing in any of the myriad of sports in which they are our partner; a horse brings new life and blessings to all involved with it.

Each horse hopes too that each human involved with it is a blessing --

THE HORSE’S PRAYER

To thee, my master, I offer my prayer.Feed me, water and care for me, and when the day’s work is done,provide me with shelter, a clean, dry bed and stall wide enough for me to lie down in comfort.

Always be kind to me.Your voice means as much to me as the reins.Pet me, that I may serve you the more gladly and learn to love you. Do not jerk on the reins, and do not whip me. Never strike, beat or kick me when I do not understand what you want, but give me a chance to understand you. Watch me, and if I fail to do of your asking, see if something is wrong with my bridle, saddle or feet.

Do not restrict me that I cannot have free use of my head. If you insist that I wear blinkers, so that I cannot see behind me as it was intended I should, I pray you be careful that the blinkers stand well out from eyes.

Do not overload me, or hitch me where water will drip on me. Keep me well shod. Examine my teeth when I do not eat; I may have a bad tooth, and that you know, is very painful. Do not tie my head so I cannot see, or take away my tail: it is my only defense against flies and bugs.

I cannot tell you when I am thirsty, so I pray you will give me clean, cool water often. Save me by all means in your power from fatal disease. I cannot tell you in words when I am sick, so watch me, that by signs you may know my condition. Give me all possible shelter from hot sun, and put a blanket on me when I am standing in the cold. Never put a frosty bit in my mouth; first warm it by holding it a moment in your hands.

I try to carry you without a murmur, and wait patiently for you long hours of the day or night. Without the power to choose my shoes or path, I sometimes stumble on hard ground, please give me safe and sure footing, and keep me properly shod. Remember, I must be ready at any moment to lose my life in your service.

And finally, My Master, when my useful strength is gone, do not turn me out to starve or sell me to some cruel owner only to be slowly tortured and starved to death, but do thou My Master, take my life in the kindest way remembering I gave you my best years. Do this and your God will reward you here and hereafter. Please do not consider me irreverent by asking this in the name of Him who was born in a stable.

~ Author Unknown

A Peek Inside Susan's Scrapbook

Hello Friends, Fans & Partners,
Here is a glimpse into my scrapbook that's on UR new website. Watch for an email this weekend announcing UR new website. In the meantime, enjoy the slideshow!
-Susan.