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Lost And Found Presented By LuibriSYN HA: Grindstone And Giacomo Share The Spotlight In Pacific Northwest

About 2,500 miles away from the site of their crowning achievements, Kentucky Derby winners Grindstone and Giacomo are still considered royalty at Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services and Thoroughbred Farm in Newberg, Oregon.

Grindstone, pensioned since 2019, turns 29 in late January and Giacomo will be 20 in February.

“We are very, very fortunate and blessed to have two unique and special horses,” said Ben Root, operations manager for the facility founded in 1996 by his parents Dr. Jack and Margaret (“Cookie”) Root. “These stallions give us an opportunity to be ambassadors for Thoroughbred racing. We get calls a few times a month from people wanting to see them and we welcome them.”

The Derby stars have totally different personalities.

“Grindstone still thinks he is king of the world,” Root said. “He screams and yells and bangs on his stall door when a horse walks by. He loves attention. When he is led in or out of the barn, he announces his presence to the other stallions. He knows he's special, he knows he's cool.

“Giacomo is as tame and sweet as you could ever imagine. He might nip a little bit but you can get right up to him and even hold him to get a picture taken. We even have had older school children do that. Especially for non-horse people, Giacomo is an angel.”

Both have their quirks. Grindstone inexplicably removes his halter from his head almost daily. In perhaps a subtle show of dominance, Giacomo backs away if his halter is touched but willingly stands still for treats, pettings and photos. When turned loose in his paddock each morning, the son of Holy Bull performs his self-taught routine that includes pirouettes, bucks, rears and a few laps at a gallop.

Grindstone makes a face for a visit from top author Laura Hillenbrand in 2017

Prior to pandemic restrictions, Oakhurst hosted Kentucky Derby parties for several hundred friends, family and clients and a “Breakfast with the Stallions” event where Giacomo was in a nearby pen so guests could get up close and personal.

The occasional admirers who visit the stallions include owners of their offspring for racing and non-racing activities.

“They just want to see the dad,” Root said.

Track announcer and publicist Jason Beem, a longtime friend of the Root family, has made frequent stops to mingle with Giacomo. Another notable devotee is a man who came during his layover at the Portland International Airport.

From Bluegrass to Pacific Northwest

Grindstone and Giacomo launched their breeding careers in the heart of Kentucky's famed Bluegrass region prior to landing in their forever home. Grindstone, by Unbridled, was at owner-breeder W. T. Young's Overbrook Farm before being purchased by the Roots in 2009. Giacomo campaigned for breeders Jerry and Ann Moss until Frank Stronach became a partner for his four-year-old season. He initially was on the stallion roster at Stronach's Adena Springs before hopscotching to other states.

Grindstone was leased to Oakhurst when the Stronach conglomerate operated the now shuttered Portland Meadows with the goal of infusing enthusiasm into the area's small Thoroughbred market.

Giacomo eventually was sold to the Roots with the understanding he would remain under their care regardless of his results as a stallion.

Both have had a measure of success as sires to augment their celebrity status. A current headliner is Milords Oathkeeper, a Root family-bred son of Giacomo and the Grindstone mare Milady Rocks. The gelding brought honor to his connections in winning the Josephine County Juvenile Stakes at Grants Pass Downs in November. With two wins in five starts, he has earned a meager $14,831, but the figure is irrelevant to the family. The Root clan has long participated with more profitable racers in Washington, California, and Arizona, but Milords Oathkeeper has an intangible value. Ben Root summarizes the significance of the victory in three words.

Milords Oathkeeper is the pride and joy for the Root family, carrying the blood of Giacomo and Grindstone

“Oregon is home,” he said.

To punctuate the point, Root said they have declined attractive purchase offers in favor of racing him as a three-year-old in 2022.

“The emotional attachment kind of throws financial reality out the window,” Root said. “My father walks by his horses every day and says 'look what we have here.' We treat them like kings. They have beautiful stallion halters with brass name plates. Their paddock fences are black because my father designed the farm to look like Kentucky. We never take any of this for granted.”

For more information on Oakhurst Equine Veterinary Services and Thoroughbred Farm, visit https://oakhurstequine.com/

Liane Crossley is a Lexington-based freelance writer who has spent her entire career in Thoroughbred racing-related jobs in barns, press boxes and offices. She has worked for stables from Saratoga to Ak-Sar-Ben and from Canterbury Park to Oaklawn Park and about another dozen tracks in the eastern two thirds of America. A longtime contributor to Thoroughbred Times, her articles have appeared in Keeneland Magazine, Blood-Horse, Daily Racing Form, Thoroughbred Daily News, Breeders' Cup website, Horse Illustrated, European Bloodstock News, KyForward, Horse Illustrated, Young Rider and other publications. She is a seasonal member of Keeneland's media department.

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Lost And Found Presented By LuibriSYN HA: Alphabet Soup Lives On Under Careful Watch Of Donkey Protector

Twenty-five years after the nearly white and cleverly named Alphabet Soup made headlines by narrowly defeating the legendary Cigar in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) at Woodbine, his name and pedigree (Cozzene—Illiterate, by Arts and Letters) live on through his 18 crops of offspring that often sport equally creative monikers such as Egg Drop, Alpha Bettor, No Soup for You, Lentil, Soups On, Souper Douper and Vocabulary. The stallion himself also lives on, thanks to a lifetime of extraordinary care and perhaps because of his bromance with a different kind of equid.

Alphabet Soup turned 30 in March at Old Friends Equine Retirement, a hybrid living history museum and horsey petting zoo, in Georgetown, Ky. He has resided there since 2015 after being pensioned from his longtime stallion duties at Adena Springs about 30 miles northeast in Paris. Former stud barn mate Touch Gold — winner of the 1997 Belmont Stakes — is also at Old Friends. Awesome Again, another Adena Springs stalwart who won the 1998 Breeders' Cup Classic before evolving into a breed-shaping sire, passed away at Old Friends at age 26 in December.

“When Adena Springs called and said they were going to let us take care of some of their horses — in particular Alphabet Soup — I was astonished,” said Michael Blowen, who founded Old Friends in 2003. “We were thrilled that they think so highly of us.”

The far-flung Adena Springs breeding and racing operation started by Frank Stronach, is revered for producing quality runners exemplified by seven Eclipse Awards as outstanding breeder. Before Thoroughbred aftercare moved to the forefront, Adena Springs established their own rehoming program for their former racers. Stronach fully funds the Adena Springs-connected horses that reside at Old Friends.

Soup at home

Alphabet Soup's glamorous looks were once summarized by Blowen as “the most gorgeous horse who ever stepped foot on the farm.” Paired with his exceptionally gentle nature, Alphabet Soup is reminiscent of a hornless unicorn. He quickly settled in to life as host to admiring fans.

“We hear the most amazing stories,” Blowen said. “Handicappers tell stories about cashing bets on him. Some people have pictures of his babies in their wallets. His former jockey [Hall of Famer] Chris McCarron visits all the time.”

Alphabet Soup met the farm's first resident donkey Gorgeous George when Blowen introduced the little long-ear to potential paddock mates. Gorgeous George showed particular interest in the famous racer and the two soon became inseparable. They share a water bucket and treats and when Alphabet Soup is led to and from the barn, Gorgeous George follows untethered.

“It is like watching the changing of the guards at Buckingham Palace only better,” Blowen said. “George is like the Secret Service. If you try doing something to Alphabet Soup that George takes exception to, he lets you know it. He is a protector.”

Soup and George share some grass

Bred in Pennsylvania by Southeast Associates, Alphabet Soup was listed as not sold on a final bid of $28,000 at the 1992 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. The following May, he again did not meet his reserve at $29,000 at Fasig-Tipton's Maryland 2-year-olds in training auction. On April 2, 1994, he debuted with a third-place effort at Santa Anita for Ridder Thoroughbred Stable and trainer David Hofmans. A winner in his third start five weeks later at Hollywood Park, Alphabet Soup methodically climbed the class ladder prior to becoming a graded stakes winner late in his four-year-old season.

He peaked as a 5-year-old in a season highlighted by three graded stakes scores in Southern California prior to the Classic.

He returned in early 1997 at age six with a runner-up performance in the San Antonio Handicap (G2) at Santa Anita with Adena Springs owner Frank Stronach as a new partner with Ridder Thoroughbreds in what would be his 24^th and final start. He was officially retired a few months later and began his stud career in 1998 for Adena Springs. His record stands at 10-3-6 and $2,990,270. He won six graded events including his lone Grade 1 score in the Classic.

Decades removed from those glory days, Alphabet Soup remains a crowd pleaser. Blowen is perhaps his biggest fan and marvels daily at the stallion's exuberance for life in general and his intelligence in particular.

“He taught me that he would rather have his back scratched than eat carrots,” he said. “He gets right up to the fence and then moves to place he wants me to scratch.”

For more information about donations and tours, visit www.oldfriendsequine.org

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Lost And Found Presented By LuibriSYN HA: Too Young To Retire, Older Runners Flaunt New Skills At Thoroughbred Makeover

The Thoroughbred Makeover and National Symposium presented by Thoroughbred Charities of America began rather modestly in 2013 with 26 off-track Thoroughbreds at Pimlico Race Course. This year's renewal held Oct. 12-17 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington has attracted hundreds of entrants showcasing the endless skills of the breed. The competition has achieved the original goal of creating demand for former racers that too often were considered one-trick ponies known only for speed. Along the way, the Makeover has brought attention to the value of high-mileage Thoroughbreds for their “been there, done that” attitudes suited for countless activities when properly retrained.

This month's Lost and Found spotlights three of those so-called “war horses” entered in the Makeover—Granny's Kitten, Imperative and Talk Show Man.

Granny's Kitten (Kitten's Joy-Granny Franny, by Grand Slam)

Record: 32-6-5-4 and $480,928

Stakes wins: 2017 Col. E. R. Bradley Handicap (G3) at Fair Grounds, 2016 Alphabet Soup Handicap at Parx Racing

Age: 9

Gail Canan was aware of Granny's Kitten, thanks to a friend who knew him well during his racing days for breeders Ken and Sarah Ramsey and trainer Mike Maker. The mellow fellow's pedigree and record made him an attractive stallion prospect but when no deal was finalized, he was channeled to Canan and subsequently gelded so that he could easily transition to life with pasture mates.

Instead of choosing a discipline for Granny's Kitten, she is going to let him pick. She said he seems to enjoys cross country jumping so she is hoping to reshape him into an eventer.

Canan marvels at his attitude that she describes as “unflappable” regardless of his surroundings or tasks.

“That longevity (of racing) says a lot about the constitution of the horse,” said Canan. “He is always ready for a new adventure. I can take him anywhere (because) he was so well traveled. His first time at a show grounds, he was a little 'looky' but not like he was going to be naughty. He was more like, 'This is interesting.' He was a little hesitant when I took him cross country as if he was saying 'I am not sure what you want.' He looked around a lot, just checking what was going on.”

Granny's Kitten wins the Col. E. R. Bradley Handicap

Some off-track Thoroughbreds have flashbacks when hearing a public address system for the first time, but Granny's Kitten was unfazed after racing 32 times.

Granny's Kitten won his first two career starts at ages two and three and then spent most of the next several years in the stakes ranks. His most profitable triumph was the 2017 Col. E. R. Bradley Handicap (G3) at Fair Grounds.

As a former exercise rider who grew up participating in horse shows, Canan said she understands both worlds of OTTBs.

“They know a lot more than you think they know, but you might have to ask [for some things] in a different way than they're used to, such as with flying lead changes,” she said. “I encourage people to not overlook a horse that might be a little older and has raced a lot. If they have raced for that long, there is something about them. Give them a chance.”

Caban believes that after changing caretakers and barns for years, the workaday racers have a great appreciation for stability.

“It is like they know 'this is my home and this is my person,'” she said.

Imperative wins the Big Bear Stakes in 2016

Imperative (Bernardini-Call Her, by Caller I.D.)

Record: 50-7-8-4 and $3,302,812

Stakes wins: 2017 and 2014 Charles Town Classic Stakes (G2)

Age: 11

After racing 50 times from coast to coast and earning more than $3 million, Imperative remains eager for any new assignment.

“He has the most incredible work ethic of any horse I have ever met,” said Louise Atkins who acquired him via the National Thoroughbred Welfare Organization. “He is very smart and retains everything he is taught. We started with very small local shows, he was tense and distracted but did his job.”

Atkins said in his early time away from the track, Imperative was aloof and distant but is now so attentive and curious that he has been nicknamed The Mayor. He craves attention and is exceptionally social with equine pals.

“He hates to do anything alone so we kind of cater to him a little bit,” she said.

Atkins said Thoroughbreds that had an abundance of racing are more likely to remain sound in their second careers.

“For someone looking for an OTTB, I recommend going through a reputable agent or a resale organization,” she said. “We take horses from the track and start their turnout and transition them to regular life. We assess their temperament and needs. It takes the guess work out for someone looking for a partner.

Talk Show Man enjoys a celebratory beer. Photo courtesy Lindy Gutman

Talk Show Man (Great Notion-Mark Me Special, by Haymaker)

Record: 40-8-2-7 and $456,556

Stakes wins: 2018 and 2014 Maryland Million Turf Stakes at Laurel Park; 2015 Henry S. Clark Stakes at Pimlico

Age: 11

Talk Show Man made all but three of his 40 starts in his native Maryland and he saw plenty of action on major event days that would prepare him for a new career.

“He's seen so many things,” said Lindy Gutman who will ride him in the Makeover. “He ran on big race days like Maryland Million Day and Preakness Day when the areas around the track were so different than other days with banners, tents, bands, flyovers and lots of people.”

Gutman opted to enter the ranch division of the Makeover to add to their versatility.

“I really like to try new things and I like to be able to take my horses anywhere,” Gutman said.

Talk Show Man was a bit hesitant around strangers during his early retraining but he has since become exceptionally social.

“He will even poke you with his ear so that you'll rub it,” Gutman said. “He likes you to jam your knuckle way down in there and rub. It's really gross, but he will walk up to strangers while I'm riding him and give them one of his ears. It's funny to see their expressions when I tell them what he wants and they go to gently rub on the outside of his ear and he keeps pushing it at them. I have to tell them that he wants them to poke their knuckle in there and look for his brain!”

Gutman had four previous off-track Thoroughbreds, but Talk Show Man is her first restart.

“There is an OTTB out there for everyone, but not every OTTB is for just anyone,” she said. “Take the time to find the horse that works for you. I never thought that I'd ride OTTBs again, at age 53, because I'm not a brave rider and I was wrong. Plus, the OTTB people are the absolute best. They are so supportive of each other. I'm happy to talk to anyone about why they need an OTTB.”

Talk Show Man raced throughout his career for his breeder Dr. Michael Harrison, who channeled him to Gutman for the Makeover.

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Lost And Found Presented By LuibriSYN HA: Former Free House Trainer Content To Watch As A Fan

Nearly a decade after saddling his final starter, Juan “Paco” Gonzalez still goes to Santa Anita most mornings but now the activity is strictly a hobby.

“I love watching the horses train,” he said. “I still have some friends at the track, so we walk the length of the grandstand back and forth to keep fit.”

Most of Gonzalez's success was condensed in the span from 1992 to 2002 when the barn raked in at least $1 million each year. One of his most popular runners was the blaze-faced gray Free House who finished third in all three Triple Crown races in 1997. Gonzalez accomplished the same feat with Mane Minister six years earlier. Both raced for John Toffan and Trudy McCaffery, Gonzalez's only clients throughout his career. Another headliner was Grade 1 winner Came Home for the partnership that flourished with primarily homebreds led by Free House who banked more than $3-million.

“We started with the original six and in 10 years, the owners had 120 horses,” Gonzalez said.

McCaffery died in 2007 and Toffan began downsizing the stable prior to his passing in 2019. Gonzalez offered to retire in 2012 so that the remaining five racers could seamlessly transfer to other conditioners. The transition left a legacy that began by happenstance and closed as one of racing's most successful stables.

Gonzalez became acquainted with Toffan and McCaffery when he was an exercise rider for their trainer Joe Manzi. When Manzi passed away unexpectedly in 1989, they asked him to be their private trainer.

Came Home in the 2002 Pacific Classic

“I really didn't want to do it; too chicken,” he said. “My brother Sal talked me into it and said he would work for me, so I took a chance.”

In addition to the aforementioned Free House, Mane Minister and Came Home, the team churned out a steady stream of high-level performers such as graded stakes winners Bien Bien, his son Bienamodo, Del Mar Dennis and Nice Assay (dam of Came Home).

Gonzalez relished those glory days but his true passion was his time at the barn.

“I miss interacting with the horses,” he said. “Seeing what will help them train better, eat better and anything else we can do to improve their performance. Very smart animals. They can't talk with a voice, but there are many ways to listen to them.”

The opinionated Came Home presented the Gonzalez crew with many challenges including the simple process of getting shod. The colt had little patience for the procedure so a compromise was reached—two new shoes one day, two more the next.

Gonzalez now is satisfied to watch others' racehorses and enjoys his more leisure after his morning track time.

“I come home, eat some lunch, turn on TVG and watch races,” he said. “I still take a little siesta for about 30 minutes. In the early evening, I take another walk around the block. I sometimes go to the park when there is a tai chi class and join in. And I visit the doctors for check-ups.”

His free time includes extended visits to Mexico to his see his sisters and their families.

“I'm happy I retired when I did,” he said. “I never liked to talk on the phone too much. I see trainers today that have to be on the phone all the time with owners and agents and studying the condition books for five different tracks. It is different and a lot of work. I'm ok with retirement.”

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