Page 31 - December 2006 The Game

Canada’s Thoroughbred Racing Newspaper The Game, December 2006 31
“When Victoria started off in hunter, she won championships in several levels,” says Yeoman with a certain amount of motherly pride, “She went on to jumper division and won several times at Palgrave in the ‘A’s. She was also the CNE champion two years in a row and there were some forty riders in each division. All of this was with Blake.”
In her third year at University Victoria found that she didn’t have the time to ride and Blake was subsequently sold in 2005. But Yeoman emphasizes the good life that the 16 year-old gelding has earned after his unremarkable racing tenure.
“He has never known a hungry, tired, unhappy day in his life,” she declares, “He has had the best of care, the best of
Karl Slezak and his jumper Braveheart (Bad River)
also known as 'Bravo'
custom blankets – because he always had a high wither - the best of shoes, the best veterinarian care, and the fellow who has purchased him is absolutely carrying that on.”
Bad River may sound like a poor name for a horse, but there was a time when the son of Ascot Knight looked as if he might rise far above the ordinary. Foaled in 1997, this grandson of Danzig and three generations removed from Northern Dancer, Bad River might have made some hearts beat with an impressive win on the grass at a mile and three eights in only his third start. In his next race, he ran second but was placed first after the horse in front of him was disqualified. At that
point trainer James Cheadle thought enough of Bad River to enter him in the Canadian International. That race was won by Mutafaweq. Bad river, at odds of 55-1 was 10th, beaten 17 lengths. Nine subsequent races produced only one third and several losses by double-digit lengths, even as Bad River dropped from allowance into claiming.
In 2002, Pat Fitzgerald, owner of Wolf Run Stables, purchased Bad River from Arosa Farms and, inspired by the white, heart-shaped marking on his forehead, changed his name to the more uplifting Braveheart. At the time, though, she had little intention of subsidizing his post- racing career.
“We laid him off for almost a year because he had a suspensory injury,” says Fitzgerald, “Then we started him mostly on flat work and introduced him to low level eventing, which he seemed to enjoy. At one point, when I didn’t have anyone to ride him I decided to put him up for sale.”
To determine the worth of Braveheart (affectionately called Bravo at the farm) as a show horse, Fitzgerald called upon Karl Slezak, a young and talented horse- man who has hopes of riding in the Olympics for Canada. Slezak worked with the horse and reported back to Fitzgerald that he thought this one had great potential.
“So I took the ‘for sale’ sign down and decided to support him for as long as I
can,” says Fitzgerald as a small ripple of laughter vibrates through her, “Through osmosis, I ride every ride with him.”
Slezak has star equestrian written all over him. Sleek, blond and handsome, he effuses affection for the former racehorse.
“He had a lot of trackism,” says Slezak, “He wanted to run and we needed to tame that and package it into dressage movements and keep his mind together. But he always looked to run and cross- country was quite easy for him. Once he realized what his job was, he really enjoyed it -he loves it.”
As Slezak attempts to secure a spot on Team Canada, he’s looking for a horse for the upcoming Pan American Games. Bad River isn’t eligible for that, but the nine year-old gelding could very well find himself under Slezak, competing for medals at the Olympic Games in 2008.
There’s a lovely line from the movie Seabiscuit: “You don’t throw away a whole life just because it’s a little banged up”. Joey, Blake and Bravo are wonderful examples of horses that prospered just because they were given a second chance.
For Information on adopting a retired racehorse visit www.longrunretirement.com or call LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society at 416-675-3993, ext. 3440
Wishing our Clients, Staff, Associates & Race Fans
A Very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
Thank You for another
Outstanding Season in 2006.
Looking forward to plenty of
Racing Excitement & Success in 2007!
Best Wishes to All! Sid & Janice Attard & Family