Immortal Eyes

[VeryOldMan]

Anyone else a bit bummed to see him show up today with David Jacobson as owner and trainer?

Those of us who follow Charles Town know Immortal Eyes was the absolute final boss at 4 1/2 furlongs at CT. He's earned over a million dollars in his career. Owns the CT sprint - track record holder.

I know he was sold because his owner died - just was bummed to see where he ended up and his results today. Deserves an OTTB outcome. Just saying.

[Stillriledup]

Jacobson will always do right by the horse....that's why you will never see any of his horses show up at Finger Lakes or Suffolk and get Vanned off while dropping 100% or 200% in claiming price. You won't see that with this guy, he's all about the horse.

[EMD4ME]

Jacobson will always do right by the horse....that's why you will never see any of his horses show up at Finger Lakes or Suffolk and get Vanned off while dropping 100% or 200% in claiming price. You won't see that with this guy, he's all about the horse.

This poor guy will end up as part of a statistic :( RIP .....

[tanner12oz]

Perennial WV derby day star

[VeryOldMan]

Jacobson will always do right by the horse....that's why you will never see any of his horses show up at Finger Lakes or Suffolk and get Vanned off while dropping 100% or 200% in claiming price. You won't see that with this guy, he's all about the horse.

We don't always agree SRU, but I'm with you on the sarcasm front on this one!

This one got to me - Immortal Eyes has given a lot to the sport (he's 9, has won 19 races, has been the final boss at 4 1/2f at CT, and has earned $1.1 million) and because of Jacobson's record. IE deserves to end up on a farm somewhere - not broken down at a $5,000 claiming race once every last drop has been squeezed from the lemon. Here's hoping.

[proximity]

always enjoyed Charles town and the shorter sprints at these mid atlantic area tracks. hope it all works out for immortal eyes!!

[Stillriledup]

Racing July 4th at Belmont in Race3. In for a 40k Tag. He's POE with Lanerie listed on both parts of entry.

[Track Collector]

Racing July 4th at Belmont in Race3. In for a 40k Tag. He's POE with Lanerie listed on both parts of entry.

He is one fast horse, especially at 4.5f or 5f. I wonder if he has lost a step.......got beaten by about 4 or 5 lengths last time out at 4.5f at CT.

Now at 6f at Belmont, which is too much distance. Will either be scratched or finish about 5th IMO.

[cj]

He is one fast horse, especially at 4.5f or 5f. I wonder if he has lost a step.......got beaten by about 4 or 5 lengths last time out at 4.5f at CT.

Now at 6f at Belmont, which is too much distance. Will either be scratched or finish about 5th IMO.

He's actually been better at 6 than 4.5 for a few years now, lost the quickness needed at 4.5.

[ManU918]

Putting the blinkers on today... Not listed on the PP's.... Well not the Brisnet ones...

[Track Collector]

He's actually been better at 6 than 4.5 for a few years now, lost the quickness needed at 4.5.

I checked the PPs are you are correct by 6f being his good distance.

The race goes off in about a minute now, and I wonder if his age is about to catch up with him.

[ManU918]

Beat one horse...

[VeryOldMan]

Thanks for the thread bump.

IE was the boss at 4 1/2 at CT back in his prime.

I just hope this ends well - I hate seeing these geldings being used up when they've earned so much $$$ that an OTTB outcome should be a given.

[Stillriledup]

Thanks for the thread bump.

IE was the boss at 4 1/2 at CT back in his prime.

I just hope this ends well - I hate seeing these geldings being used up when they've earned so much $$$ that an OTTB outcome should be a given.

Its David Jacobson....doesn't it always end well with this guy?

[VeryOldMan]

Its David Jacobson....doesn't it always end well with this guy?

I hear ya, SRU.

My all-time favorite was the great gelding Forego - he was retired once his leg problems caught up with him and his owners allowed him to get his full measure, including leading the post parade at the 1978 Marlboro - which pitted Affirmed against Seattle Slew:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6Pqu2xdmT8

IE is nowhere near in that class (nowhere, just nowhere), but he is a fellow $1 million+ winner. He's earned his keep in this sport.

[bello]

Glad you started this thread. I was at Belmont today. After the race I challenged Jacobsen to give him a good home. Likely he will go to slaughter. Hopefully he will not race again.

[Mineshaft]

Glad you started this thread. I was at Belmont today. After the race I challenged Jacobsen to give him a good home. Likely he will go to slaughter. Hopefully he will not race again.




How did you challenge Jacobsen?

[the little guy]

Glad you started this thread. I was at Belmont today. After the race I challenged Jacobsen to give him a good home. Likely he will go to slaughter. Hopefully he will not race again.


I can't wait to read your other 15 posts.

[Stillriledup]

How did you challenge Jacobsen?

Yelled to him in the paddock?

[bello]

To be exact, after the race, as he and Lanerie were walking off the track toward the tunnel I said to him....."Are you going to send him to slaughter or find him a nice retirement home".....Do the right thing! Lanerie smiled, Jacobsen did not look up.

That being said, I was hoping to speak to Maggie Wolfendale who is a horse lover to help me make sure this horse was not destroyed by this prick, but I did not get a chance to do that. I am not a PETA person by any means, but a warrior like Immortal Eyes, who earned his connections over a million bucks for his connections and was an exciting horse to watch all these years deserves better than being raced into the ground in his old age or sent to the slaughterhouse.

[VeryOldMan]

I am not a PETA person by any means, but a warrior like Immortal Eyes, who earned his connections over a million bucks for his connections and was an exciting horse to watch all these years deserves better than being raced into the ground in his old age or sent to the slaughterhouse.

We're on the same page - I worry less about IE ending up on a dinner plate like Exceller and Ferdinand (two of the most massive black eyes for this sport, IMO) but I'm hoping he doesn't end up shown as "vanned off" in a claiming race somewhere. He's earned over a million dollars - he should end up on a farm rather than the racetrack if he just can't deliver at a top level anymore.

[Tara73]

How did Bello miss mentioning Head Heart Hoof?

[Stillriledup]

How did Bello miss mentioning Head Heart Hoof?

I know the Hoofmeister finished 2nd at Monmouth in a 5k claimer, do you know if he returned happy and healthy after the race?

[ILovetheInner]

Seems like you are being a bit of a dick here. You yourself were so proud to see Immortal Eyes come back to NY after his illustrious career. Why not do something productive yourself and make sure he does NOT go to slaughter, break down on the track, or wind up in 5 claimers at MTR or CT. Because if he does, I'll be glad to make sure your and Maggie really wonderful comments pre-race about this horse make the next PETA tape while showing him break down. This horse deserves better and is no longer right. Be it age or infirm, he is done and he should be retired with a touch of dignity.

Do something productive? I've been peeking in on this, and really that was more than I could take. You seem to have a lot of passion for this horse, so why don't you do something then. He has a fan base, there are options to develop. I don't frankly know why Jacobson gets slammed on this horse specifically, who has currently raced for him one time....the horse didn't earn him a million. I believe an estate sold him (admittedly total guesswork on my part), and there *could have been* provisions set aside, or the estate itself could have retired him. If there is to be outrage as regards Immortal Eyes, direct it where it belongs.

Snarking at Jacobson may feel good, but it won't get you anywhere. This is a business, and if a horse is for sale and has the chance to earn money, someone will buy him. The fault far more lays on the sellers for anything BUT that outcome, save for a good soul willing to pay a racehorse price for a horse they simply plan to retire. A horse who did not earn them one dime.

Why not contact Maggi Moss as a start point? It absolutely flabbergasts me that your PLAN is to be outraged and to contact PETA if he dies. So apparently you are willing to feel outraged, sit there while he presumably suffers, and then if it kills him blame people? Heck, if he DOES break down, the first person I'll remember is you.....who felt so passionately, and yet.

Making it clear that I have reschooled several ex racers in my day and currently run a dog rescue. There is a horse at NYRA whose career I keep an eye on (Metaurus). If he ends up needing a hero, that would likely be me. If a horse speaks to you, then do something. Other than snark at Jacobson. Maybe Lanerie smiled because he thinks you are a nut job. I don't know how you would have expected Jacobson to respond. Maybe he would have if you handed him your number and said if he wants to retire the horse to contact you, and done something to outreach to the horse other than "DJ is a butthole."

[Gulchy]

Do something productive? I've been peeking in on this, and really that was more than I could take. You seem to have a lot of passion for this horse, so why don't you do something then. He has a fan base, there are options to develop. I don't frankly know why Jacobson gets slammed on this horse specifically, who has currently raced for him one time....the horse didn't earn him a million. I believe an estate sold him (admittedly total guesswork on my part), and there *could have been* provisions set aside, or the estate itself could have retired him. If there is to be outrage as regards Immortal Eyes, direct it where it belongs.

Snarking at Jacobson may feel good, but it won't get you anywhere. This is a business, and if a horse is for sale and has the chance to earn money, someone will buy him. The fault far more lays on the sellers for anything BUT that outcome, save for a good soul willing to pay a racehorse price for a horse they simply plan to retire. A horse who did not earn them one dime.

Why not contact Maggi Moss as a start point? It absolutely flabbergasts me that your PLAN is to be outraged and to contact PETA if he dies. So apparently you are willing to feel outraged, sit there while he presumably suffers, and then if it kills him blame people? Heck, if he DOES break down, the first person I'll remember is you.....who felt so passionately, and yet.

Making it clear that I have reschooled several ex racers in my day and currently run a dog rescue. There is a horse at NYRA whose career I keep an eye on (Metaurus). If he ends up needing a hero, that would likely be me. If a horse speaks to you, then do something. Other than snark at Jacobson. Maybe Lanerie smiled because he thinks you are a nut job. I don't know how you would have expected Jacobson to respond. Maybe he would have if you handed him your number and said if he wants to retire the horse to contact you, and done something to outreach to the horse other than "DJ is a butthole."

Great post :ThmbUp:
No one wants to see horses injured or lose their life. When former stakes runners reach the claiming levels it will draw attention. The fact is that there are countless runners every day who "risk their lives for our pleasure" (Quoting a great trainer after one of the most tragic races ever.)

So who stood up for Nana Beach?
Nana Beach was a 40 race maiden who broke down in 2012. She was 5 years old. Who has the crystal ball?

Stop the witch hunt. Post the numbers if you wish.

Unamed trainer-past 5 years- roughly 3800 starts. 39 horses did not finish the race under his care. 19 of those never raced again, that is one out of every 200 starters. At some point these numbers are unacceptable.This is the most extreme case I found in a sample of 10 trainers. I will not judge.

Someone post the facts.5 years,toggle margin to unplaced runners and one by one count the runners who never raced again.

[VeryOldMan]

I don't frankly know why Jacobson gets slammed on this horse specifically, who has currently raced for him one time....the horse didn't earn him a million. I believe an estate sold him (admittedly total guesswork on my part), and there *could have been* provisions set aside, or the estate itself could have retired him. If there is to be outrage as regards Immortal Eyes, direct it where it belongs.

I'm the OP here. Immortal Eyes has raced more than once for Jacobson and has been at the back of the pack each time. Jacobson's record is checkered to say the least re horse treatment/breakdown. I'll leave it at that for now.

Outrage remains properly directed at the current owner of the horse until shown otherwise, in my opinion. Immortal Eyes has earned an offtrack home and not a "vanned off" finish. That's all I'm saying.

[Relwob Owner]

Do something productive? I've been peeking in on this, and really that was more than I could take. You seem to have a lot of passion for this horse, so why don't you do something then. He has a fan base, there are options to develop. I don't frankly know why Jacobson gets slammed on this horse specifically, who has currently raced for him one time....the horse didn't earn him a million. I believe an estate sold him (admittedly total guesswork on my part), and there *could have been* provisions set aside, or the estate itself could have retired him. If there is to be outrage as regards Immortal Eyes, direct it where it belongs.

Snarking at Jacobson may feel good, but it won't get you anywhere. This is a business, and if a horse is for sale and has the chance to earn money, someone will buy him. The fault far more lays on the sellers for anything BUT that outcome, save for a good soul willing to pay a racehorse price for a horse they simply plan to retire. A horse who did not earn them one dime.

Why not contact Maggi Moss as a start point? It absolutely flabbergasts me that your PLAN is to be outraged and to contact PETA if he dies. So apparently you are willing to feel outraged, sit there while he presumably suffers, and then if it kills him blame people? Heck, if he DOES break down, the first person I'll remember is you.....who felt so passionately, and yet.

Making it clear that I have reschooled several ex racers in my day and currently run a dog rescue. There is a horse at NYRA whose career I keep an eye on (Metaurus). If he ends up needing a hero, that would likely be me. If a horse speaks to you, then do something. Other than snark at Jacobson. Maybe Lanerie smiled because he thinks you are a nut job. I don't know how you would have expected Jacobson to respond. Maybe he would have if you handed him your number and said if he wants to retire the horse to contact you, and done something to outreach to the horse other than "DJ is a butthole."


I think everyone on here realizes this is a business. However, there are jobs that people have within racing that some people believe come with inherent responsibilities. Most trainers that I know and respect always do right by their horses. I think the OP's point, which I agree with, is that Jacobsen doesn't appear to be doing that here. This horse has run his heart out and I just don't see the point in squeezing the last bit of juice out of him to try and make a few bucks. There are tons of horse he could have bought and I just wish this one didn't have to keep on running.

[ILovetheInner]

I think everyone on here realizes this is a business. However, there are jobs that people have within racing that some people believe come with inherent responsibilities. Most trainers that I know and respect always do right by their horses. I think the OP's point, which I agree with, is that Jacobsen doesn't appear to be doing that here. This horse has run his heart out and I just don't see the point in squeezing the last bit of juice out of him to try and make a few bucks. There are tons of horse he could have bought and I just wish this one didn't have to keep on running.

I do too, no doubts about it. That truly is nothing I am arguing. I am being realistic, that there is a set market for an eight or nine year old horse being sold off, and most will invest with the intention to make money by moving the horse down the ladder fairly promptly as warranted. That was the market the connections (or estate thereof), from/for whom this horse did earn his retirement, sold him into. To DJ, or the many others who move that way.

The OP feels they did something "challenging" by snarking at Jacobson.......do we really think he has thought twice about that? And from there somehow puts the responsibility on Serling because he likes the horse, or from there on Maggie Wolfendale because she likes horses, or if not and the horse breaks down will align with PETA because they admired the horse and did nothing.

I think the OP likes Immortal Eyes just as much and would be every bit as obligated as Serling or Wolfendale to develop retirement options. We all know what Jacobson will do because he *insert expletive here*, but just calling it real, you could have claimed Frazil this past week. Jacobson could have claimed him. And Linda Rice knows that very well. I don't know how you split that. Sure he's still in form, but he's back in the claiming ranks, he's eight, and gave her one heck of a run. And now open to getting haltered. That's not a Linda Rice slam, just underscoring the nature of the business.

And sometimes no, the connections will be more interested in finding spots or making money. And if it bothers you that much, if you are more restless than their connections appear to be, then maybe it is time for you to develop retirement options. We make money off these horses, too. Including the cheap ones who never were fast enough to earn one million dollars, but ran their eyeballs out for us, we relied on them and cashed in.

[proximity]

What you might not understand-with so few posts-is that he little guy works for NYRA and if anyone says anything negative re: horse racing or NYRA in particular. he will spring into attack mode. This is his paycheck; lay off man, you are walking on thin ice. He knows that Jacobsen has a stellar record regarding his treatment of those under his domain; how dare you question that!

indeed his posts are like beacons of positive light in an otherwise dark little corner of the internet.

since he's meant so much to ct racing and is track record holder at the historic bullring's signature 4 1/2 f distance, possibly Hollywood casino at Charles town races/pen gaming could acquire immortal eyes themselves and provide the deserved retirement? might be good for publicity.....

[Thebigguy]

Seems like you are being a bit of a dick here. You yourself were so proud to see Immortal Eyes come back to NY after his illustrious career. Why not do something productive yourself and make sure he does NOT go to slaughter, break down on the track, or wind up in 5 claimers at MTR or CT. Because if he does, I'll be glad to make sure your and Maggie really wonderful comments pre-race about this horse make the next PETA tape while showing him break down. This horse deserves better and is no longer right. Be it age or infirm, he is done and he should be retired with a touch of dignity.

How is he being a dick? I would say its 100-1 that you were even at Belmont that day. But keep up the imaginary challenging.

[Relwob Owner]

I do too, no doubts about it. That truly is nothing I am arguing. I am being realistic, that there is a set market for an eight or nine year old horse being sold off, and most will invest with the intention to make money by moving the horse down the ladder fairly promptly as warranted. That was the market the connections (or estate thereof), from/for whom this horse did earn his retirement, sold him into. To DJ, or the many others who move that way.

The OP feels they did something "challenging" by snarking at Jacobson.......do we really think he has thought twice about that? And from there somehow puts the responsibility on Serling because he likes the horse, or from there on Maggie Wolfendale because she likes horses, or if not and the horse breaks down will align with PETA because they admired the horse and did nothing.

I think the OP likes Immortal Eyes just as much and would be every bit as obligated as Serling or Wolfendale to develop retirement options. We all know what Jacobson will do because he *insert expletive here*, but just calling it real, you could have claimed Frazil this past week. Jacobson could have claimed him. And Linda Rice knows that very well. I don't know how you split that. Sure he's still in form, but he's back in the claiming ranks, he's eight, and gave her one heck of a run. And now open to getting haltered. That's not a Linda Rice slam, just underscoring the nature of the business.

And sometimes no, the connections will be more interested in finding spots or making money. And if it bothers you that much, if you are more restless than their connections appear to be, then maybe it is time for you to develop retirement options. We make money off these horses, too. Including the cheap ones who never were fast enough to earn one million dollars, but ran their eyeballs out for us, we relied on them and cashed in.


First, I don't think that the OP was the one who went off on DJ, was he?

Next, you say this is a business but who in their right minds would buy a horse as you say with the intention of moving that horse DOWN the claiming ladder. If thats the case, DJ isn't doing right by the horse or his wallet IMO.

[ILovetheInner]

First, I don't think that the OP was the one who went off on DJ, was he?

Next, you say this is a business but who in their right minds would buy a horse as you say with the intention of moving that horse DOWN the claiming ladder. If thats the case, DJ isn't doing right by the horse or his wallet IMO.

Ah yes, thanks for the correction. I was referring to Bello, who was not the OP. Just the one to get my dander up ;)

I did not mean to say it was the intention to move the horse down, but rather if that is what is indicated to make a profit or simply generate cash flow, that is what will be done by some barns. Particularly true of those willing to invest in older horses who stand the chance to lose a step.

If they were going to sell the horse, they were going to find a buyer. They did not sell him to Jacobson as an OTTB, and had it not been him, it would have been somebody else. Simply because most trainers you know don't squeeze the last ounce of juice they can out of a horse doesn't mean some horses don't get stuck with something different. Hardly a newsflash. We wouldn't have the controversy if we didn't have the problem. And plenty of owners as well, who would rather get some cash than find a retirement option. As I said, Frazil is in for a tag now. Sure, still effective on the track, but he's a horse who has given a lot to Rice and retiring him versus risking having someone halter him is an option not taken. I don't blame her as he still is an effective racehorse who can earn a check, but a case could be made that she should retire him given his age and what a reliable winner he has been for her.

There will always be that "him or somebody else." People who want to get tanked about that, in the name of some horse they feel some loyalty or affection towards, can put their effort where their mouth is. I don't know why Andy Serling or Maggie Woldendale are more beholden than any of us to do something when we, as is the case with this poster, are so offended and feeling so desperate for the horse.

It is indeed, no matter what Bello said, *extremely* PETA-ish to allow perceived suffering with no plans of intervention in anticipation of a post tragedy campaign.

[Hambletonian]

ever since the Hugable Tom incident, the name jacobson has had some less than savory connotations. plus his dad, don't think we need to go into detail on that.

the problem is there is no easy answer. we have alot of owners in the us that don't know one end of a horse from another. they do not own farms to retire their horses to. and the idea that a racehorse is retired to a life of leisure like an old guy sitting in a lawn chair in Boca Raton is not an accurate reflection.

once a horse enters the realms of the general public, unless they end up in an old friends situation or back with their breeder etc, they are likely to go on a wild ride. if they are sound enough to be repurposed they have a better chance to be well take care of. if not, they are at the individual mercies of whoever possesses them. and horses are not goldfish, there is a lot of work involved, and if they have injury issues, their upkeep may become prohibitive. in any case, it is not like adopting a cat from a shelter, a reited horse is rarely ever safe in a forever home.

on the other hand, I believe racing must be continously proactive in at least a mechanism for a soft landing for some of its warriors.

[Relwob Owner]

ever since the Hugable Tom incident, the name jacobson has had some less than savory connotations. plus his dad, don't think we need to go into detail on that.

the problem is there is no easy answer. we have alot of owners in the us that don't know one end of a horse from another. they do not own farms to retire their horses to. and the idea that a racehorse is retired to a life of leisure like an old guy sitting in a lawn chair in Boca Raton is not an accurate reflection.

once a horse enters the realms of the general public, unless they end up in an old friends situation or back with their breeder etc, they are likely to go on a wild ride. if they are sound enough to be repurposed they have a better chance to be well take care of. if not, they are at the individual mercies of whoever possesses them. and horses are not goldfish, there is a lot of work involved, and if they have injury issues, their upkeep may become prohibitive. in any case, it is not like adopting a cat from a shelter, a reited horse is rarely ever safe in a forever home.

on the other hand, I believe racing must be continously proactive in at least a mechanism for a soft landing for some of its warriors.


I think a pretty simple idea(it may already be in place at some tracks) is to have owners pay a fee when licensed that goes towards getting horses good homes. There would be some logistical concerns but the idea itself seems like a good one to me. If owners want to own horses, they should be forced to do something mandatory on the front end to make sure the horses are taken care of once they stop running.

[PaceAdvantage]

I love the guys who jumped on TLG in this thread.

As if another Renpher bash fest post is the most valuable thing in the world around here...lord knows we couldn't do without Mineshaft's musings about Renpher...but he goes and jumps on TLG...funny shit there...

Thread closed...you want to save a horse, contact the authorities...contact the ASPCA or the NYPD or Nassau County police and report your claim for animal cruelty...