Sun, 21 Jan 1996
Hi Al,
Last weekend was the TTA annual awards banquet, which we couldn't attend. The annual election of officers also took place, and I was pleased to see that Dr. Steve Hicks was elected president, replacing Joe Archer of Houston. I do not have the names of the other officers that were elected, but I'm sure they are a fine group.
Directly following the TTA meeting, which concluded Saturday night, was the Sunday stallion showing at Summer's Mill Farm. We were able to attend that--Belton is within relatively easy driving distance. Summers Mill is presided over by Dr. Ken Quirk and his wife, Dr. Linda Quirk. They always have a nice roster of stallions, but this year seems to be the best yet, with a bunch of new stallions.
When we arrived, we mingled with those in attendance. We met for the first time Terry Wynn. Terry has singlehandedly made quite a mark on the TX TB industry within the past 2 years, as you shall see. He owns Fossil Creek Ranch in Lubbock. Last year, he stood his Hyperborean and Bionic Prospect at FCR, but he has moved them to Summer's Mill this year. But more about them as we progress.
When most people had arrived, the showing began. Ken tries very hard to be fair to all his stallion owners, so in an effort to be impartial, presented them in alphabetical order. I, however, find it easier to group them by categories.
As I alluded earlier, Terry Wynn owns quite a few of these stallions. I already mentioned Hyperborean and Bionic Prospect. This year, he brought in several horses from the track--Diggin In, and Fappiano Road. Both are stakes quality runners that won around $85k. Diggin In is a Mr. Prospector out of a Northern Dancer mare, while Fappiano Road is a Fappiano out of a Graustark mare. Both stand for $1500. Devil Diamond was supposed to stand his first year at SM, but surgery to remove bone chips was so successful, he has returned to the track. He is a Devils Bag out of a Chieftan mare, and is a stakes winner of over $250k. Most notable of Terry's new purchases is Danzatore, who stood at Preston wood farm in KY last year. Danzatore was champion 2yo in Ireland, and went on to stand at stud in Australia, where he produced multiple GSWs. He stands for $3500.
Among the "oldies-but-goodies", we have Explosive Wagon, Dmitri, Midway Circle, Salt Dome, Sunshine Today, Top Avenger, Triple Sec, and Walesa. Walesa was very popular this year at the yearling sale, but better yet, trainers have been calling Ken--they like their Walesas and want more. Triple Sec has sired his second TX champion in Amazing Trace. He is a consistent sire and a good value at $1500. Top Avenger will not be offered to the public this year on account of reduced fertility. Sunshine Today is a full brother to Smile. Smile will be out of comission this year due to protozoan myelitis. Salt Dome, of course, is a personal favorite of mine, since we have a SD colt. Midway Circle seems to be siring some good horses, although I don't think his book ever gets very full. I typically don't like Alydars, but a $500 stud fee for a horse that gets a G3 placed runner is pretty good. Dmitri is another Danzig, but he is out of a Raja Baba mare. He only won $1700, but he has produced a spl runner out of 3 foal crops.
We had a great time, as per usual. They had barbeque catered (great!) and a large screen T.V. for those who couldn't miss the football. We met a very nice couple--Mike and (Jerry or Jenny--I can't remember) Adams. They has their little baby with them. That's what I like--early exposure to what matters in life--horses. We spent quite some time talking. Mike is a steeplechase rider, as well as a trainer. They have a farm up near Greenville, and we've been invited up "anytime". Jexxy is an event rider, which is what I did with a fatalistic passion in my late teens. I was invited to take a turn on their X-C course--my siren-song. They even have a pony that the kids can ride.
There was an article in the Dallas paper the other day about a TXbred horse named Cat On Tour that has been running quite well. This horse did not bring his minimum bid for Hilmer Schmidt of Brenham. Schmidt, one might recall, campaigned Golden Bri. Anyhow, the colt must have been in the Houston sale because I can't find him in the Ft. Worth catalogue. This newly-turned 3yo has become a graded staked winner and perhaps a Triple Crown contender. He has been running at Calder, but now may move on to Gulfstream. Keep an eye out for him in the future.
I will have more for you when I get a chance. Hope all is well in sunny SoCal! Hi to all.
The Running Horse (http://www.isd1.com/alauck)