Post by Exceller Fund on Sept 10, 2008 2:57:26 GMT -5
Dear Members:
This is just a quick update for everyone with some important news. I am sending this out on behalf of Niki Smith who will be providing the updates pretty much going forward. Niki spent a few days with me as we went over all of the paperwork and background of The Exceller Fund and saw the horses we have here in Southern California. There is a lot of information for her to absorb, and she is busy setting up databases for horses, fosters, adopters, members, etc. in order to streamline communication and information.
I am so excited by this infusion of energy and enthusiasm! Also, between Niki and Gary, they know a lot of people in the racing industry and will work on getting The Exceller Fund the recognition and support needed to continue “Providing a Future Beyond the Finish Line!”
Here are a few highlights of what has been happening.
CURRENT HORSES
TROIS VILLES
“Gene” has had enough time away from the track for his suspensory injury and was ready to move into a program for retraining and adoption. This is one area that Niki is working on as getting qualified adopters connected with our horses has been a big challenge for us. There wasn’t anyone we could use right away, and we started having some concerns about the care level where he was, so we contacted some other organizations. Angel Acres had an opening and we transferred Trois Villes to their program in Pennsylvania.
About a day or two before he was scheduled to be picked up, “Gene” reared up and hit his head against something in his stall, opening up a gash on his forehead. The foster apparently did not think it was a big deal and did not inform us and did not call a vet. We found about it from the transport driver who was very upset that the injury had not been treated by a vet. She brought him to Angel Acres, and Jo had her vet treat and clean the wound, and we paid for the vet services.
The good news is the injury has healed quite well. Trois Villes has a little bit of scaring on his face, but that should hopefully continue to heal. He has been renamed “Boo Boo Baby” because of his “boo-boo”, and is now in training. You can read the update that Jo Diebel posted on her blog:
angelacreshorsehavenrescue.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html
Scroll near the bottom of the page to see “Boo Boo”.
For those of you that have been sponsoring Trois Villes, we will not need sponsorship funds after this month. The sponsorship money we received was sent to Angel Acres to pay for his keep while recovering and also to pay the vet bills. We wish Trois Villes the best in finding his new home! Jo said she will keep us informed on his progress.
TAKE A CHANCE
Please keep Take A Chance in your prayers. He suffered a bout of colic today and was not “snapping” out of it, so I just authorized for him to be taken to the Chino Hills Equine Hospital. He’s been going through cycles of being better, then worse, then better than worse. We do not know yet if he will need surgery, and I have already posted on the Alex Brown Forum for the Fans of Barbaro to say prayers for him. The FOB’s (many of them are now also Exceller Fund members) came up with a lot of funds to pay for his initial surgery for the fracture last year, and we felt we needed to give him a chance and allow his fans and supporters the opportunity to help. Please say a prayer for Chance!
I should know more either late tonight or tomorrow what the status and prognosis is. The best of all possible outcomes is that Chance simply needs to be kept under observation, perhaps given some fluids, and can then be released. He has such a bright future.
ELEANOR’S GIFT
We moved Eleanor’s Gift to a new foster located in Bartlett Ohio. The prior foster was very doubtful about Eleanor because of the laminitis in his left front. We had made the decision to move the horses from this foster as we felt they needed more individual attention that they appeared to be getting. Many of you may have heard of Rachel Paris who does so much of the “backside” volunteer work at Mountaineer in trying to find new homes for the Thoroughbreds that are done racing. One of the gals who works closely with Rachel is Diana Potter who recommended the new foster in Ohio. Niki reviewed the foster application and we agreed this was a better place for Eleanor.
The new foster instantly fell in love with “Eleanor” and also felt that the name “Eleanor” was somewhat of an insult to this tall, handsome gelding, so his new barn name is Elliot! Here are some updates that Diana has sent. I will be posting photos shortly. His photos remind me a lot of Prospector Sally:
Just wanted to let you know, Kathy and I went over to Joey's last Wed with an apprentice Kathy is mentoring, Mike Stevens. Mike worked on EGs (aka Elliot) feet while Kathy 'supervised'. Mike was great with him, he was very patient as Elliot couldn't stand on one hoof for very long, having to take frequent breaks. The good news is that he was able to bear weight on his bad foot at all, as he was unable to last time Kathy worked on him, the day we picked him up at Kevin's. He is also gaining weight and looks good.
Joey is having no trouble what-so-ever catching him for grooming, etc. He is still sore on the laminitic foot, but it is growing out and he's making progress. Joey said "I love this horse" and it shows. I think the feeling is mutual
I told Joey he loves every horse he meets, and it's true. One thing I like about Joey too, is that he's not a know-it-all type, even though he's been around horses his entire life. He is always willing to listen and learn something new, and put it into practice. DZ looks a lot better also, his wounds are healing and the huge hematoma on his chest is getting better, swelling is down considerably. EG has bonded with one of Joey's horses, Taz, a little paint gelding.
He is a favorite at the farm, and Joey says he is now the first one at the gate to greet him every day! He is still lame but doing better, and I think he's gaining weight. He still needs more but looks good. I walked right up to him and petted him, rubbed him around his ears and he seemed to enjoy the attention. Joey says he's a really nice horse, very quiet and easy to work with.
DR. ZI
Dr. Zi was also moved to the new foster in Ohio. He has had a bit of a rough time adjusting to life after the track. It probably didn’t help him that he was gelding just shortly before he came to us! He has had to learn how to get along with other horses, and a couple of the horses at the old foster were apparently working on his manners as he had evidence of bites and kicks. He is doing much better and gaining weight now, and here is what Diana has sent:
He has completely taken charge of Joey's herd, yep he's the boss. I think he's looking better too, and starting to fill out. His coat has the most brilliant sheen when the sun catches it, as if he is sprinkled with gold dust. Is he sound for pleasure riding ? He looks to be but wanted to make sure. If so, would you like Joey to ride him ? He can start working with him and take him trail riding, if that's OK. There is a small group of riders he rides with, so he would have company.
Both EG & DZ are happy and relaxed. Kevin told us he recommended to you for EG to be put down, that he wasn't a very nice/friendly horse. Well, I'm glad you didn't listen to him. Elliot is doing fine and he's a sweet heart who loves attention. Whenever Joey goes out to the field, Elliot is the first to greet him at the gate. They are being grained twice/day with beet pulp. They get free choice hay and pasture. Is there anything else you would like to see them getting in the way of supplements? They are gaining weight but I too would like to see them filled out more before cold weather gets here. Zi's hair is growing in beautifully, you can actually see the heart shaped marking on this hind quarters now. They are both very nice, gentle horses
LOVE ME R LEAVE ME
We have a couple of people very interested in “Lovey” and we are hoping he gets a great home very soon! Some of you may remember when “Lovey” as a foal was the subject of a Barbara Livingston photo special. He has lost none of his cuteness and personality. The foster reports that while small (about 15 hands), he is very sweet natured and gentle, and would make a great kid’s horse.
PRESCISION WINNER
We also have a person very interested in adopting Prescision Winner. She adopted Mad Mac from us, and she is a terrific owner and always keeps us updated on our Mac is doing. I’ll put it this way, if I were a horse I would want her as my owner! Prescision Winner is a veritable “war horse” having raced 138 times from age 2 through age 9!!! Most of his races were at the Fingerlakes Track in New York. He also raced at Mountaineer, Tampa Bay, and Calder. His total record is: 138 starts, 9 wins, 11 places, 15 shows – Total earnings: $99,248. Talk about earning your money the hard way!
After his last race, he wound up with a dealer who had hoped to sell him as a hunter prospect, but the rough looking gelding did not attract buyers. We took him in July of last year, and while he was fine physically, mentally he needed almost a year to “de-stress.” Niki reports that he has now adjusted to “being a horse” and does quite well under saddle.
BRYAN’S ACCOUNT
We have had SEVERAL people very interested in Bryan’s Account, but so far he seems the perpetual bridesmaid as no one has yet made the commitment. The news of the economy has a lot of people hesitant to take on a new horse. But we are confident that Bryan will find his forever home very soon!
EYE PEA OH
“Opie” continues to do well and is enjoying his retirement. Anna Ford of New Vocations gave us a recommendation for a foster located in Kentucky who would like to foster “retirees”. Niki has been to their place and met them and checked their references, so by the end of this month, we are planning on moving Eye Pea Oh as well as Selway to this new foster. If anyone is visiting Kentucky and would like to see Opie or Selway, just contact Niki at mail@excellerfund.org and she can put you in contact with the new foster care providers.
SELWAY
This horse, named by his breeder in honor of Dr. Selway, the veterinarian who operated on Charismatic after the Belmont, will be joining Opie as a retirement horse. He is sound, but his conformation is not suited to heavy work, and currently his temperament does not appear to be suited to light work. We will continue evaluating him and hope we can find him a forever home.
CONTINUATION
Continuation finished his stall rest and was gelding and provided some light turn out. We had x-rays done on his knee and found that he had several chips that needed to be removed. The vet in Oklahoma offered to do the surgery for a discounted price of $500. We are contacting his breeder to see if they will continue to sponsor him and cover these expenses. We have received several interested people who would like to adopt him, but he still needs a couple more months of rehab before he will be ready.
RAMBLING AFFAIR
It’s been a roller coaster ride with this guy. He was donated to us, but he initial x-rays we got were not promising at all. Unfortunately, by the time we got him, the injury was pass the point of surgery, so he was kept on stall rest for almost 4 months (poor fella was going “stir” crazy!) until we could arrange a new set of x-rays to see how everything was progressing. He had a displaced slab fracture, and we did not know if we would have to say good-bye to this little fella since it was possible that he would suffer a severe breakdown by just running in the pasture.
Well, the new x-rays are promising in that he will most likely be pasture sound, and there is a chance that he might be okay for light riding. For those who were supporting Trois Villes, you are most welcome to sponsor this little chestnut cutie. I will have pictures up on our Member’s Message Board.
ADOPTED!!
STALK
Our little “Stalker” got adopted and is now in his new home in Virginia. His adopter is well known to several of our volunteers in Kentucky, and they know that he will be a cherished horse with his new owner. Some of you may not recall Stalk. Last July, he was an un-raced 3 year old gelding in New York, and just days from being sent to auction or slaughter since the dealer was not able to find a private buyer. Our foster in Kentucky, upon seeing his photo, urged me to make sure he didn’t end up in a bad place and offered to subsidize his care for us. She did not charge for his monthly care and made sure to find him a great home.
Here’s his page on our website: www.excellerfund.org/horses/stalk.htm
NEW HORSE
CANTERBURY PARTNER
Our volunteer in Oklahoma, Leslie Hubbell, was contacted by the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (not a part of TRF) regarding a 2 year old gelding who had a knee chip. He showed very little on the track, and the owner did not want any further expenses so told the equine hospital to euthanize him or give him away. Since the horse is neither Oklahoma bred or raced, he does not qualify for the OTRF program. The vet felt strongly that this gelding had an excellent prognosis for a full recovery, even to the point of making it back to the races (but no, he won’t be going back to the races.) The vet offered to do the surgery for a reduced fee of $500. (Normally a minimum of $1,300.)
We received money from two places that basically covered this expense… 1) Carson City Kid won the “wiki” contest on Alex Brown (Thank you everyone who voted!) and we split the prize money with Friends of Ferdinand, and 2) We received donations in honor of a the birthday of a 6 year old girl who asked for donations to help save horses instead of presents.
Leslie offered to foster “CP” at her place for no charge other than vet bills. What till you see his photo!! He is stunningly adorable in addition to being very calm and well behaved. Right now he is small, standing just over 15 hands, but he still has some growing to do.
So - here’s a contest for members…, let’s come up with a better “barn” name for Canterbury Partner. That is not a name that exactly rolls off the tongue. This little cutie needs a better name! I have a brand new** Santa Anita insulated lunch bag for the winning entry. You will need to post your entry under this update and then we can vote on the winning name!
(**It’s brand new in the sense that it has never been used and is still in the plastic bag it came in. I have actually had it for quite a few years as it was a “giveaway” item at Santa Anita.)
TOAST TO EXCELLER DAY!
We are moving forward with our Toast to Exceller Day plans. Gary sent an e-mail out to the racetracks that are racing on September 27, 2008 which will be the 30th anniversary of the Jockey Club Gold Cup victory when Exceller defeated Seattle Slew and Affirmed. This was the only time in racing history that one horse has beaten two Triple Crown winners.
We are encouraged with the response. So far, 3 tracks have indicated they will participate, Fingerlakes, Mountaineer, and Presque Isle Downs. We anticipate at least 3 more tracks will also sign up. We will let you know which tracks when we have firmed up the arrangements.
Basically, all we are asking the tracks to do is add the Signature Drink – The Exceller – to their bar menu and promote the Toast To Exceller with “tent” cards in the bar and/or casino. The tent card will commemorate Exceller’s great accomplishments – his JCGC victory and that his legacy is helping other horses whose racing careers are over. We are asking the tracks to place a full page ad in their program to commemorate the occasion and promote the drink and awareness of adoption programs. The Daily Racing Form will be running complimentary ads to support this occasion.
We are then asking the tracks to donate the net profits from this drink to The Exceller Fund. If the track has a local adoption/retirement group that works with them, we will split the donation with that group.
The main goal of this is to “brand” awareness of the need to support these horses when their racing days are over, and offer a pleasant way for people to do so. By toasting Exceller, they can help continue his legacy with every horse that finds a “Future Beyond the Finish Line.”
If any of you knows the marketing person at a track or simulcasting location near you, please contact Leslie Hubbell at mail@excellerfund.org if you think we can get them to participate in this event.
MEMBERS MESSAGE BOARD
Don’t forget to check our Member’s Message Board for this update as well as photos of the horses! (The photos are my favorite part!)
You do not need the password to look at the board and here is the link: almata.proboards106.com/
And if you are reading this right now, then you found your way!
FUTURE UPDATES:
Niki and Gary are working on some exciting new initiatives and will be giving us updates very soon. The month’s of August and September have simply been very busy for both, and they are also getting familiar with all of the details of The Exceller Fund. You can be sure I have let them know that The Exceller Fund would not be where it is without all of you guys!
REMEMBER!!!
Please remember to send your monthly support dues for our horses! The address is:
The Exceller Fund
P.O. Box 33274
Granada Hills, CA 91344
You can also send your support by PayPal – our PayPal address is donate@excellerfund.org
This is just a quick update for everyone with some important news. I am sending this out on behalf of Niki Smith who will be providing the updates pretty much going forward. Niki spent a few days with me as we went over all of the paperwork and background of The Exceller Fund and saw the horses we have here in Southern California. There is a lot of information for her to absorb, and she is busy setting up databases for horses, fosters, adopters, members, etc. in order to streamline communication and information.
I am so excited by this infusion of energy and enthusiasm! Also, between Niki and Gary, they know a lot of people in the racing industry and will work on getting The Exceller Fund the recognition and support needed to continue “Providing a Future Beyond the Finish Line!”
Here are a few highlights of what has been happening.
CURRENT HORSES
TROIS VILLES
“Gene” has had enough time away from the track for his suspensory injury and was ready to move into a program for retraining and adoption. This is one area that Niki is working on as getting qualified adopters connected with our horses has been a big challenge for us. There wasn’t anyone we could use right away, and we started having some concerns about the care level where he was, so we contacted some other organizations. Angel Acres had an opening and we transferred Trois Villes to their program in Pennsylvania.
About a day or two before he was scheduled to be picked up, “Gene” reared up and hit his head against something in his stall, opening up a gash on his forehead. The foster apparently did not think it was a big deal and did not inform us and did not call a vet. We found about it from the transport driver who was very upset that the injury had not been treated by a vet. She brought him to Angel Acres, and Jo had her vet treat and clean the wound, and we paid for the vet services.
The good news is the injury has healed quite well. Trois Villes has a little bit of scaring on his face, but that should hopefully continue to heal. He has been renamed “Boo Boo Baby” because of his “boo-boo”, and is now in training. You can read the update that Jo Diebel posted on her blog:
angelacreshorsehavenrescue.blogspot.com/2008_08_01_archive.html
Scroll near the bottom of the page to see “Boo Boo”.
For those of you that have been sponsoring Trois Villes, we will not need sponsorship funds after this month. The sponsorship money we received was sent to Angel Acres to pay for his keep while recovering and also to pay the vet bills. We wish Trois Villes the best in finding his new home! Jo said she will keep us informed on his progress.
TAKE A CHANCE
Please keep Take A Chance in your prayers. He suffered a bout of colic today and was not “snapping” out of it, so I just authorized for him to be taken to the Chino Hills Equine Hospital. He’s been going through cycles of being better, then worse, then better than worse. We do not know yet if he will need surgery, and I have already posted on the Alex Brown Forum for the Fans of Barbaro to say prayers for him. The FOB’s (many of them are now also Exceller Fund members) came up with a lot of funds to pay for his initial surgery for the fracture last year, and we felt we needed to give him a chance and allow his fans and supporters the opportunity to help. Please say a prayer for Chance!
I should know more either late tonight or tomorrow what the status and prognosis is. The best of all possible outcomes is that Chance simply needs to be kept under observation, perhaps given some fluids, and can then be released. He has such a bright future.
ELEANOR’S GIFT
We moved Eleanor’s Gift to a new foster located in Bartlett Ohio. The prior foster was very doubtful about Eleanor because of the laminitis in his left front. We had made the decision to move the horses from this foster as we felt they needed more individual attention that they appeared to be getting. Many of you may have heard of Rachel Paris who does so much of the “backside” volunteer work at Mountaineer in trying to find new homes for the Thoroughbreds that are done racing. One of the gals who works closely with Rachel is Diana Potter who recommended the new foster in Ohio. Niki reviewed the foster application and we agreed this was a better place for Eleanor.
The new foster instantly fell in love with “Eleanor” and also felt that the name “Eleanor” was somewhat of an insult to this tall, handsome gelding, so his new barn name is Elliot! Here are some updates that Diana has sent. I will be posting photos shortly. His photos remind me a lot of Prospector Sally:
Just wanted to let you know, Kathy and I went over to Joey's last Wed with an apprentice Kathy is mentoring, Mike Stevens. Mike worked on EGs (aka Elliot) feet while Kathy 'supervised'. Mike was great with him, he was very patient as Elliot couldn't stand on one hoof for very long, having to take frequent breaks. The good news is that he was able to bear weight on his bad foot at all, as he was unable to last time Kathy worked on him, the day we picked him up at Kevin's. He is also gaining weight and looks good.
Joey is having no trouble what-so-ever catching him for grooming, etc. He is still sore on the laminitic foot, but it is growing out and he's making progress. Joey said "I love this horse" and it shows. I think the feeling is mutual
I told Joey he loves every horse he meets, and it's true. One thing I like about Joey too, is that he's not a know-it-all type, even though he's been around horses his entire life. He is always willing to listen and learn something new, and put it into practice. DZ looks a lot better also, his wounds are healing and the huge hematoma on his chest is getting better, swelling is down considerably. EG has bonded with one of Joey's horses, Taz, a little paint gelding. He is a favorite at the farm, and Joey says he is now the first one at the gate to greet him every day! He is still lame but doing better, and I think he's gaining weight. He still needs more but looks good. I walked right up to him and petted him, rubbed him around his ears and he seemed to enjoy the attention. Joey says he's a really nice horse, very quiet and easy to work with.
DR. ZI
Dr. Zi was also moved to the new foster in Ohio. He has had a bit of a rough time adjusting to life after the track. It probably didn’t help him that he was gelding just shortly before he came to us! He has had to learn how to get along with other horses, and a couple of the horses at the old foster were apparently working on his manners as he had evidence of bites and kicks. He is doing much better and gaining weight now, and here is what Diana has sent:
He has completely taken charge of Joey's herd, yep he's the boss. I think he's looking better too, and starting to fill out. His coat has the most brilliant sheen when the sun catches it, as if he is sprinkled with gold dust. Is he sound for pleasure riding ? He looks to be but wanted to make sure. If so, would you like Joey to ride him ? He can start working with him and take him trail riding, if that's OK. There is a small group of riders he rides with, so he would have company.
Both EG & DZ are happy and relaxed. Kevin told us he recommended to you for EG to be put down, that he wasn't a very nice/friendly horse. Well, I'm glad you didn't listen to him. Elliot is doing fine and he's a sweet heart who loves attention. Whenever Joey goes out to the field, Elliot is the first to greet him at the gate. They are being grained twice/day with beet pulp. They get free choice hay and pasture. Is there anything else you would like to see them getting in the way of supplements? They are gaining weight but I too would like to see them filled out more before cold weather gets here. Zi's hair is growing in beautifully, you can actually see the heart shaped marking on this hind quarters now. They are both very nice, gentle horses
LOVE ME R LEAVE ME
We have a couple of people very interested in “Lovey” and we are hoping he gets a great home very soon! Some of you may remember when “Lovey” as a foal was the subject of a Barbara Livingston photo special. He has lost none of his cuteness and personality. The foster reports that while small (about 15 hands), he is very sweet natured and gentle, and would make a great kid’s horse.
PRESCISION WINNER
We also have a person very interested in adopting Prescision Winner. She adopted Mad Mac from us, and she is a terrific owner and always keeps us updated on our Mac is doing. I’ll put it this way, if I were a horse I would want her as my owner! Prescision Winner is a veritable “war horse” having raced 138 times from age 2 through age 9!!! Most of his races were at the Fingerlakes Track in New York. He also raced at Mountaineer, Tampa Bay, and Calder. His total record is: 138 starts, 9 wins, 11 places, 15 shows – Total earnings: $99,248. Talk about earning your money the hard way!
After his last race, he wound up with a dealer who had hoped to sell him as a hunter prospect, but the rough looking gelding did not attract buyers. We took him in July of last year, and while he was fine physically, mentally he needed almost a year to “de-stress.” Niki reports that he has now adjusted to “being a horse” and does quite well under saddle.
BRYAN’S ACCOUNT
We have had SEVERAL people very interested in Bryan’s Account, but so far he seems the perpetual bridesmaid as no one has yet made the commitment. The news of the economy has a lot of people hesitant to take on a new horse. But we are confident that Bryan will find his forever home very soon!
EYE PEA OH
“Opie” continues to do well and is enjoying his retirement. Anna Ford of New Vocations gave us a recommendation for a foster located in Kentucky who would like to foster “retirees”. Niki has been to their place and met them and checked their references, so by the end of this month, we are planning on moving Eye Pea Oh as well as Selway to this new foster. If anyone is visiting Kentucky and would like to see Opie or Selway, just contact Niki at mail@excellerfund.org and she can put you in contact with the new foster care providers.
SELWAY
This horse, named by his breeder in honor of Dr. Selway, the veterinarian who operated on Charismatic after the Belmont, will be joining Opie as a retirement horse. He is sound, but his conformation is not suited to heavy work, and currently his temperament does not appear to be suited to light work. We will continue evaluating him and hope we can find him a forever home.
CONTINUATION
Continuation finished his stall rest and was gelding and provided some light turn out. We had x-rays done on his knee and found that he had several chips that needed to be removed. The vet in Oklahoma offered to do the surgery for a discounted price of $500. We are contacting his breeder to see if they will continue to sponsor him and cover these expenses. We have received several interested people who would like to adopt him, but he still needs a couple more months of rehab before he will be ready.
RAMBLING AFFAIR
It’s been a roller coaster ride with this guy. He was donated to us, but he initial x-rays we got were not promising at all. Unfortunately, by the time we got him, the injury was pass the point of surgery, so he was kept on stall rest for almost 4 months (poor fella was going “stir” crazy!) until we could arrange a new set of x-rays to see how everything was progressing. He had a displaced slab fracture, and we did not know if we would have to say good-bye to this little fella since it was possible that he would suffer a severe breakdown by just running in the pasture.
Well, the new x-rays are promising in that he will most likely be pasture sound, and there is a chance that he might be okay for light riding. For those who were supporting Trois Villes, you are most welcome to sponsor this little chestnut cutie. I will have pictures up on our Member’s Message Board.
ADOPTED!!
STALK
Our little “Stalker” got adopted and is now in his new home in Virginia. His adopter is well known to several of our volunteers in Kentucky, and they know that he will be a cherished horse with his new owner. Some of you may not recall Stalk. Last July, he was an un-raced 3 year old gelding in New York, and just days from being sent to auction or slaughter since the dealer was not able to find a private buyer. Our foster in Kentucky, upon seeing his photo, urged me to make sure he didn’t end up in a bad place and offered to subsidize his care for us. She did not charge for his monthly care and made sure to find him a great home.
Here’s his page on our website: www.excellerfund.org/horses/stalk.htm
NEW HORSE
CANTERBURY PARTNER
Our volunteer in Oklahoma, Leslie Hubbell, was contacted by the Oklahoma Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (not a part of TRF) regarding a 2 year old gelding who had a knee chip. He showed very little on the track, and the owner did not want any further expenses so told the equine hospital to euthanize him or give him away. Since the horse is neither Oklahoma bred or raced, he does not qualify for the OTRF program. The vet felt strongly that this gelding had an excellent prognosis for a full recovery, even to the point of making it back to the races (but no, he won’t be going back to the races.) The vet offered to do the surgery for a reduced fee of $500. (Normally a minimum of $1,300.)
We received money from two places that basically covered this expense… 1) Carson City Kid won the “wiki” contest on Alex Brown (Thank you everyone who voted!) and we split the prize money with Friends of Ferdinand, and 2) We received donations in honor of a the birthday of a 6 year old girl who asked for donations to help save horses instead of presents.
Leslie offered to foster “CP” at her place for no charge other than vet bills. What till you see his photo!! He is stunningly adorable in addition to being very calm and well behaved. Right now he is small, standing just over 15 hands, but he still has some growing to do.
So - here’s a contest for members…, let’s come up with a better “barn” name for Canterbury Partner. That is not a name that exactly rolls off the tongue. This little cutie needs a better name! I have a brand new** Santa Anita insulated lunch bag for the winning entry. You will need to post your entry under this update and then we can vote on the winning name!
(**It’s brand new in the sense that it has never been used and is still in the plastic bag it came in. I have actually had it for quite a few years as it was a “giveaway” item at Santa Anita.)
TOAST TO EXCELLER DAY!
We are moving forward with our Toast to Exceller Day plans. Gary sent an e-mail out to the racetracks that are racing on September 27, 2008 which will be the 30th anniversary of the Jockey Club Gold Cup victory when Exceller defeated Seattle Slew and Affirmed. This was the only time in racing history that one horse has beaten two Triple Crown winners.
We are encouraged with the response. So far, 3 tracks have indicated they will participate, Fingerlakes, Mountaineer, and Presque Isle Downs. We anticipate at least 3 more tracks will also sign up. We will let you know which tracks when we have firmed up the arrangements.
Basically, all we are asking the tracks to do is add the Signature Drink – The Exceller – to their bar menu and promote the Toast To Exceller with “tent” cards in the bar and/or casino. The tent card will commemorate Exceller’s great accomplishments – his JCGC victory and that his legacy is helping other horses whose racing careers are over. We are asking the tracks to place a full page ad in their program to commemorate the occasion and promote the drink and awareness of adoption programs. The Daily Racing Form will be running complimentary ads to support this occasion.
We are then asking the tracks to donate the net profits from this drink to The Exceller Fund. If the track has a local adoption/retirement group that works with them, we will split the donation with that group.
The main goal of this is to “brand” awareness of the need to support these horses when their racing days are over, and offer a pleasant way for people to do so. By toasting Exceller, they can help continue his legacy with every horse that finds a “Future Beyond the Finish Line.”
If any of you knows the marketing person at a track or simulcasting location near you, please contact Leslie Hubbell at mail@excellerfund.org if you think we can get them to participate in this event.
MEMBERS MESSAGE BOARD
Don’t forget to check our Member’s Message Board for this update as well as photos of the horses! (The photos are my favorite part!)
You do not need the password to look at the board and here is the link: almata.proboards106.com/
And if you are reading this right now, then you found your way!
FUTURE UPDATES:
Niki and Gary are working on some exciting new initiatives and will be giving us updates very soon. The month’s of August and September have simply been very busy for both, and they are also getting familiar with all of the details of The Exceller Fund. You can be sure I have let them know that The Exceller Fund would not be where it is without all of you guys!
REMEMBER!!!
Please remember to send your monthly support dues for our horses! The address is:
The Exceller Fund
P.O. Box 33274
Granada Hills, CA 91344
You can also send your support by PayPal – our PayPal address is donate@excellerfund.org