Grits
09-02-2011, 11:32 AM
http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/64829/champion-beautiful-pleasure-dies
http://www.drf.com/news/beautiful-pleasure-champion-1999-dead
The first time I ever saw her, I didn't know who she was. I watched her on the track at Keeneland with her exercise rider aboard every morning for weeks before I asked someone, "who is this?" That rider was Donna Ward, John's wife. Donna trained Beautiful Pleasure. She was the biggest, most incredible looking racemare I'd ever seen.
My love affair with Beautiful Pleasure lasted throughout her racing career, and into her retirement. I'd go to her paddock on the Ward's farm across from Keeneland two mornings a week with carrots and mints her first winter retired. She and the other mares enjoyed the treats and the company. Beautiful Pleasure always the leader, they'd come flying, gallloping across the paddock when I called them.
Rest "big mare", no more pain; you're a great one. Have your saddle towel, your shoes, and your album, still, here in the den. My photos of you on the track, in and around the barn, you and Donna in Florida, Kentucky, New York, and most of all--my first cold winter, alone, in Kentucky, with only you and the girls. Y'all were my friends. Thank you for everthing.:(
This sport, and these horses, touch us and leave us with memories that remain always. --- They should not ever be simply numbers or running lines.
http://www.drf.com/news/beautiful-pleasure-champion-1999-dead
The first time I ever saw her, I didn't know who she was. I watched her on the track at Keeneland with her exercise rider aboard every morning for weeks before I asked someone, "who is this?" That rider was Donna Ward, John's wife. Donna trained Beautiful Pleasure. She was the biggest, most incredible looking racemare I'd ever seen.
My love affair with Beautiful Pleasure lasted throughout her racing career, and into her retirement. I'd go to her paddock on the Ward's farm across from Keeneland two mornings a week with carrots and mints her first winter retired. She and the other mares enjoyed the treats and the company. Beautiful Pleasure always the leader, they'd come flying, gallloping across the paddock when I called them.
Rest "big mare", no more pain; you're a great one. Have your saddle towel, your shoes, and your album, still, here in the den. My photos of you on the track, in and around the barn, you and Donna in Florida, Kentucky, New York, and most of all--my first cold winter, alone, in Kentucky, with only you and the girls. Y'all were my friends. Thank you for everthing.:(
This sport, and these horses, touch us and leave us with memories that remain always. --- They should not ever be simply numbers or running lines.