Top Ten Positive Things that Happened to the Washington Industry - Week 14 - Yippie-I-Ay

So many positive things in Washington racing last weekend that all I can say is Yippie-I-Ay or I can have one of my favorite commercials of all time say it for me. 

I am a vegetarian but I miss Mini Sirloin Burgers at Jack in the Box, but only because of this commercial.

Honestly, the most important thing for me that happened this week was that the Bachelorette has finally ended and I don't have to deal with the nonsense anymore. Just walking through the TV room and hearing these people talk makes me want to vomit. Can't believe my wife watches this. I am really looking forward to the Bachelor though.

But let's turn to the most important things that happened in Washington this week.

(1) Ethan's Baby - A very special victory in the Angie C Stakes as Ethan's Baby wins by 6 1/4 lengths. Ethan's Baby is by Offlee Wild out of the Broken Vow mare Hope and Vow. We will get into this pedigree more in the future.

It is nice to see success for the Hansens who have put a lot of time and money into the game. They own Scatter Creek Training Center in Tenino and that is where I have sent my horses for their early education with their trainer, Jeff Vens. They also purchased Striking Scholar as a broodmare last year  at the WTBOA Sale. Striking Scholar is the dam of Stryker Phd and Madame Pele. I wrote about this mare in a previous Broodmare of the Week:

http://militaryhawk.blogspot.com/2014/06/broodmare-of-week-striking-scholar.html

Even more special is that Ethan's Baby is named after the Hansens' son, Ethan. He's had a very special relationship with the filly since the day she was born, hence the special name.  Here is a picture of Ethan and his filly:

This is what horse racing is all about.

Thanks to Claudia Canouse and Todd for helping me get the scoop and picture on this special combination.

(2) World Record at Emerald Downs - I Keep Saying set a world record on Sunday running 6.5 Furlongs in 1:12.94 The splits were 22.01, 43.89, 1:06.82 (holy….), 1:12.94. This world record bested Sabertooth's record for 6.5F of 1:13.00 set back in 2005. More on the dam Arco Iris later this week.

(3) John Parker-a-thon- It was a John Parker-a-thon* this weekend at Emerald Downs as the owner had two winners and a very good claim. He won with Dancing with Effie in a MSW Race on Sunday (That $9,818 winning purse should go a long way in buying lunch for people) and also won with Jordan's Jem on Saturday. He also claimed Hetty for $25,000 out of an impressive win.

Here is a great story about John and his family's relationship with the excellent Loto Canada:

http://www.washingtonthoroughbred.com/magazine/SecondChances_LotoCanada.htm

It's John Parker's world, and we are just transporting in it.

*"John Parker-a-thon" is a trademark term of militaryhawk.blogspot.com. All intended or unintended uses of the phrase "John Parker-a-thon" without the express written consent of Brewer Thoroughbreds, LLC and Captain Crunch are strictly prohibited.

(4) Dancing Yodeler - The education that the Emerald Racing Club is receiving this year is as good as it can get. Along with an excellent blog keeping them informed of all things racing, they are receiving the full extent of what it means to be a horse owner. They get the OK 3rd place run, the disappointing 8th place run, the win that looked unexpected at the top of the stretch, and the frustrating second place finish that could have been a win with a good break.

In addition, the nice run by Anelina to get second and then the small injuries that all owners put up with. Racing is a roller coaster ride, but I think this scene from the movie Parenthood sums it up:

Do you want the merry-go-round or the roller coaster?

(5) Washington Hall of Fame Inductees - This year I was lucky enough to be one of the 16 people to vote for the 2014 Washington Hall of Fame Inductees. I have to admit I was a little nervous at first. Voting for the Hall of Fame is something I took very seriously. I did my research (plenty of research) and by the end of my research I was confident in my votes. I would like to congratulate the new members of the Washington Hall of Fame:

Trainer: Ben Harris
Jockey: Ricky Frazier
Male Horse: Chum Salmon (Military Hawk's old buddy)
Filly and Mare Horse: Delicate Vine
Breeder: William and Barbara Nelson, Jr. (Gunshy Manor)

(6) Sales Incentive Program - The WTBOA released the Emerald Bonus Program list for horses that go through the WTBOA Yearling Sale and break their maidens at Emerald Downs. Buy here and race here:

(7) Seattle Plan - Seattle Plan has now won 15 races at Emerald Downs which is a pretty special accomplishment. She's had 35 starts at Emerald with 15 wins, 8 places and 3 shows.

(8) Del Mar Represent!- Some horses with Emerald Downs connections ran very good over the weekend at Del Mar. Mike's Man Gold, owned by K-Swag, ran a very good second in a $32,000 claiming race. Also, Boyett, owned by Dr. Orr finished 4th in the Wickerr Stakes. Very solid performances.

(9) Washington-Bred Winners - 18 of the 25 thoroughbred races were won by Washington-Breds. Take that South Dakota.

(10) Washington Stallions - 17 separate stallions of Washington-Breds won the 18 races. The only stallion with two winners was his excellence, Cahill Road. Other stallions:

Parker's Storm Cat
Offlee Wild
Raise the Bluff
Seattle Shamus
Yankee Gentleman
Northern Afleet
Trickey Trevor
Chhaya Dance
Houseofroyalhearts
Outing
Aptitude
Good Reward
Grindstone

Always Love Your Animals,

Will