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Back in the day when the SJC was a big deal, it was won (I think 1966) by jockey John Longden, at that time the world's winningest rider but at 60+, past his prime--he drove, pushed, and carried George Royal to victory--and I was there! (Which makes me what, 39?)
That was “officially” Longden’s last ride and it was 1966. A couple of days later at Hollywood Park, Longden would saddle his first winner with Bill Shoemaker in the irons. That horse was owned by Frank McMahon who would buy Majestic Prince as a yearling the next year and whom Longden would train to win both the 1969 KY Derby and Preakness. In those early days of training, Longden would get on his horses in the mornings. Right around 1972, Longden began training a horse for the Pin Oak Stable named Circle. Longden had all but convinced himself that he should also be up on Circle in the afternoons. Longden’s wife, Hazel, wisely talked him out of that. In 1973 however, Dan Smith who had begun to handle publicity at Del Mar, came up with an idea for an Old Timers race for retired jockeys. It was dubbed the Rocking Chair Derby and the winning jockey used to dismount in the winner’s circle and then would sit in and take possession of a rocking chair for the next year. Longden’s mount Merakos set the pace in that first ever Rocking Chair Derby before retreating. That was Longden’s official last ride.Diver52 wrote: ↑Tue Jun 18, 2024 12:55 amBack in the day when the SJC was a big deal, it was won (I think 1966) by jockey John Longden, at that time the world's winningest rider but at 60+, past his prime--he drove, pushed, and carried George Royal to victory--and I was there! (Which makes me what, 39?)
i always love my fellow Brazilian breds, but Planetario has always been one of my favorites. no beating Jolie Olimpica though.
Yes for a horse that is usually first or second it was surprising. Kingsbarns is an improving and exciting horse. Disarm ran in a bar shoe -might need time off. First Mission disappointing. Pyrenees ran well for second-Skippy had an odd stretch run-seemed to be fading when passed then rerallied in deep stretch and just missed second.CoronadosQuest wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 6:07 pm Kingsbarns wins the Stephen Foster! Can't believe he was 9-1
Agreed! The hosts were acting like he was a 10k claimer and said they wouldn't even touch him which was such a weird statement to say. I was like 'dang, we must watch different Kingsbarns because he has only ran one bad race and that was the Kentucky Derby but so many horses have bad Derbys!"Squeaky wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 6:12 pmYes for a horse that is usually first or second it was surprising. Kingsbarns is an improving and exciting horse. Disarm ran in a bar shoe -might need time off. First Mission disappointing. Pyrenees ran well for second-Skippy had an odd stretch run-seemed to be fading when passed then rerallied in deep stretch and just missed second.CoronadosQuest wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 6:07 pm Kingsbarns wins the Stephen Foster! Can't believe he was 9-1
He's always been a consistent horse and knocking on the door for a while now. Glad to see him get his G1.CoronadosQuest wrote: ↑Sat Jun 29, 2024 6:07 pm Kingsbarns wins the Stephen Foster! Can't believe he was 9-1
Now back with Saffie and recovering from unspecified illness after the Met Mile. Hope he recovers and comes back strong. Wonder if he picked it up in Saudi. Really wish they would let us know what is going on with him.brunanas wrote: ↑Sun Jun 09, 2024 5:59 pm White Abarrio goes back to trainer Joseph; will point to John Nerud Stakes
https://www.drf.com/news/white-abarrio- ... rud-stakes