The great work by trainer John Veitch in revitalizing the fortunes of Calumet Farm is most commonly associated with the legendary Triple Crown runner Alydar. Yet for all the fame generated by Alydar’s trio of runner-up finishes to Affirmed in the 1978 Triple Crown, Veitch enjoyed more success with three homebred Calumet fillies that he turned into champions. Foremost among that group was a filly who gave Veitch a sweep of a series for 3-year-olds – times two.
Tag: Legends
The One and Only Tiznow, Courageous Two-Time Breeders’ Cup Classic Winner
There have been 36 winners of the Breeders’ Cup Classic since the inception of the series in 1984. But only one Tiznow.
Revered Race Caller Tom Durkin Was a Master at His Craft
When Tom Durkin walks down Broadway in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., it is almost as if he is stepping back in time. Fans often stop him to remind him of one of his legendary race calls and to express their appreciation for his extraordinary career. Those conversations mean the world to Durkin. “You’re walking down the street and somebody stops you and has something really nice to say to you about you,” said Durkin. “I don’t know that a lot of people go through this world experiencing something like that. It’s one of the great blessings of my life.”
Richard Mandella: A Lifelong Horseman
As Richard Mandella reflects on his magnificent training career, he recalls that he drew greater motivation from fear of failure than aspirations of greatness. “I never had any great dreams about what it actually became. Hall of Fame and all of that, it never entered my mind,” he said. “I just wanted to be some kind of success.”
