The Ecstasy And The Agony!

On Oct 7, Marion's Man made his second start for our Red Rabbit Racing Partnership and he finished a very strong second - winning us $7,000 for the afternoon's efforts.

Click Here for video of MM's Start (1 MB)

Unlike his first race, he broke extremely well out of the 6 hole and ran the first half mile just off the leader's right shoulder.   At the half mile pole Jockey Chris Emigh pushed MM's head in front and led through most of the stretch, until he got nipped at the wire and lost by a half length.

Owners Jean, Peggy and Rick were at the big race at Hawthorne, accompanied by Family patriarch Bob Johnson, Kathy, Bryan and Allie Gray. We were all yelling and screaming from start to finish as MM did Just great. 

Click Here for video of MM's Last half mile (5 MB)

However, our euphoria over MM's great effort quickly subsided as Trainer Chris Block informed me that a single claim had been entered for this race and it was for our own Marion's Man.  So just like that we lost him to trainer Michael Reavis and his new owner.  (For those not aware - in a claiming race, all horses can be bought by any licensed owner for the claiming price listed for the race.  In our particular race the claiming amount was $25,000 and MM was the only horse purchased). 

Talk about a Downer!

We had all grown quite attached to MM in the short 2 months we had him - but that's Racing!   So we are now looking about for another horse, consoled by the knowledge that MM made us a profit and we all had a great time.

Of course I took way too many pictures, all of them viewable below,  Just click on the small Thumbnail and a larger picture will be shown.

Finally, a note to Marion's new owner...   

He likes carrots with the green tops still on them  - You Bastard!