>Thoroughbreds can fall “off the radar” for any number of reasons, some of which we cannot change and others which we can correct by working together as a community. This article is dedicated to the ordinary, hard-working thoroughbreds of today and yesteryear. They run their hearts out on the track but never attain the heights of an Uncle Mo or a Ruffian. In the breeding shed, they were a disappointment. But winner or loser, a horse is a living being — and they depend on us to take care of them.
My urge to collect thoroughbred photos derived from television, an environment that turned individuals like Secretariat, Ruffian and Northern Dancer into overnight celebrities. Until recently, what appeared on television was fleeting, so to recapture and hold those memories in place, it seemed natural to turn to photographs. From the very beginning, I found myself drawn to the craft of a photograph almost more than to its subject. The result was that even though I started out intending to find photos of specific — and usually famous — horses, I found myself drawn into the world of images instead.
It is the photos between 1900 – 1950 that I most treasure; and it has been particularly satisfying to learn the identities and stories of the thoroughbreds from this period, horses who always tried their best but never became “superstars.” To secure a place in thoroughbred history a horse must distinguish itself from its contemporaries, whether on the track and/or in the breeding shed. The thoroughbreds in some of my favorite photos accomplished neither of these feats, making them that much easier to forget.
Over The Top, pictured in 1937 |
One good look at this handsome fellow and one is struck by his physical resemblance to his sire, a connection evident in his conformation and in the faraway look in his eyes. Over The Top (1934) was a son of Man O’ War (1917). His dam, Cresta (1920) was by Whisk Broom (1907) ex. Cresson (1916) a female descendant of the great Persimmon (1893). The year is 1937. Other than the date, there are no other details on the back of the photo other than his name, stamped in black.
For the first three years of his life, Over The Top was owned by Samuel Riddle and trained by George Conway in company with the mighty War Admiral, who was born the same year. Like all of Big Red’s offspring, the leggy red colt was slow to develop, hitting his peak at 3 and 4 years of age, respectively. Shortly before the 1937 Preakness he was purchased from Riddle by Mrs. William H. Furst of Chicago for an undisclosed amount. As a 3 year-old, Over The Top finished 3rd to War Admiral and Court Scandal (1934) in the Chesapeake Stakes, a performance that earned him black type status. In an issue of the Daily Racing Form (DRF) from the same year, a pre-Preakness work between Over The Top and War Admiral gets the following notation, “… Over The Top had no difficulty keeping pace with War Admiral.” Despite the inference, the colt ran poorly in the Preakness. Later in the year, Over The Top scored a win in the Riverdale Purse at Washington Park, coming from behind at a fast clip and withstanding the late charge of a colt called Military (1934), a son of St. Germans (1921) who was good enough to have finished second in the Santa Anita Derby that same year. Over the next two years there are reports of Over The Top’s works, together with charts in which his name appears in a number of allowance races in the category “also ran.” By 1938 the colt had a new owner — A. M. Koewler of California. No extant records of the sale could be located in the DRF archives or elsewhere.
There are two remaining bits of information about Over The Top before he goes off the radar. The first, that he had developed a “sulky attitude” in the final year he raced (1939); the second, this time in 1940, that he had covered the good mare, Lady Bowman (1932). She was a daughter of Carlaris (1923) a son of the great stallion, Phalaris (1913). Her dam, Necklace (1921) was a granddaughter of Commando (1898). At the time of his retirement, Over The Top’s race record was 34-5-3-2, with earnings of $5,675 USD. He retired with more respectable earnings than the figure would seem to suggest, since $1 USD in 1939 is roughly equivalent to $15. 42 USD today. Over The Top died at the age of six in 1940. No further details concerning his death could be located.
He was an average race horse who was a disappointment given his royal lineage, even though by the time Over The Top was foaled Man O’ War’s best years at stud were over. One assumes that his premature death was due to either accident or injury, since there was apparently an intention to breed him. Perhaps his owners were aware that there are thoroughbreds — many, in fact — that make important contributions to the breed through succeeding generations, but that’s mere speculation. In any case, a stallion with a spotty track performance would have been unlikely to attract top mares.
With the help of the American Stud Book, Volume 18, the very wonderful “Lucy” of Pedigree Query was able to locate the foal that resulted from the 1940 mating of Over The Top to Lady Bowman. The colt was named Over Lad (1941), a gelding. He made 53 starts, won 5, placed in 7 and showed in 5, earning $4, 487 USD. According to Lucy, there was also an indication in the stud book that Over The Top had sired a few other foals. However, as none were champions (otherwise, we’d know about them) it would take months to track them all down, assuming that archives such as those of the DRF are complete. And such is often not the case. So the narrative of Over The Top’s life ends here, a case of going off the radar forever.
Whereas Over The Top’s story ends as a result of both incomplete or lost information and misfortune, a good thoroughbred can go off the radar for any number of arbitrary reasons. As I was to discover in a very direct way about three years ago.
Chapel of Dreams with her 1993 filly, Erinyes (Photo courtesy of Patricia McQueen @ http://www.photopm.com ) |
We all have thoroughbreds that we love and Terlingua (1976), the daughter of Secretariat ex. Crimson Saint (1969) is one of mine. Years ago, I began to collect everything I could find about Terlingua’s racing and breeding history, and soon became a “Terlingua expert.” Of her offspring, I discovered that a daughter, Chapel of Dreams, most resembled her and off I went to find out more.
Chapel of Dreams (1984), a daughter of Northern Dancer (1961) made 24 starts for William P. Young’s Overbrook Farm, earning $643, 912 (USD) by 1988, the year she was retired. Her offspring were unremarkable, with the exception of Seeking The Dream (1995) by Seeking The Gold (1985) and If Angels Sang (1994) by Seattle Slew (1974). However, in the breeding shed another daughter Bridal Tea (1991) by Gulch (1984) got the very fine Postponed (1997) by Summer Squall (1987). Postponed was a good runner, but he has proven himself to be an outstanding sire in the western hemisphere where he now stands at Westbury Stud, in New Zealand.
Postponed (1997) by Summer Squall ex. Bridal Tea, Chapel of Dreams’ grandson |
In 2008, I discovered that Chapel of Dreams had gone off the radar by reading Barbara Livingston’s piece on Terlingua in her wonderful book, More Old Friends. In discussing Terlingua’s impact on the fortunes of Overbrook Farm, Livingston noted that only a few of her offspring remained at the farm. Chapel of Dreams was not on the list.
A different kind of search was on, one made even more urgent by the fact that Chapel of Dreams was then 24 years old and my preliminary research had shown her to be barren. I tracked her from Overbrook to another prestigious stud farm where my email was answered in the following manner, “If she’s still alive, she’s probably a lawn ornament…” All the while, I kept thinking: “How could a broodmare who won over a half-million dollars, a daughter of Northern Dancer and granddaughter of Secretariat, just go missing?” By then we had all learned about the fate of the brilliant Exceller (1973) and the gentle Ferdinand (1983). Terrible things could happen to any thoroughbred. I determined to forge ahead.
Finally, I was referred to Three Chimneys and boldly sent off an e-mail to Case Clay. He returned my correspondence, stating that an employee had seen Chapel Of Dreams recently and that she looked fine. I wrote back, explaining that given her age and the likelihood that her breeding years were over, I was worried about what the future might hold in store. In response, I received another email saying, “… you and I think alike,” and promising that he would look into it and get back to me. After a subsequent email, telling me that he had offered to buy Chapel of Dreams and retire her to Three Chimneys, the following arrived on August 13, 2008:
Abigail,
I have some fantastic news!! Chapel of Dreams is back at Three Chimneys,
safe and sound, and will be here for the rest of her days in retirement.
She will no longer be bred, but will just enjoy the green grass and
sunshine here in Kentucky. I am so thrilled to have her back with us,
knowing that she will live out her days in dignity.
Just wanted to share the good news.
All the best,
Case
P.S. You are more than welcome to visit her here at the farm any time.
“Doing is the best way of saying,” Augusto Boal, an internationally celebrated teacher and friend, would remind his students. Boal knew from experience that action is the path that leads to justice. I have no doubt that without Mr. Clay’s actions — despite a demanding schedule — Chapel of Dreams would have gone off the radar, lost in the shuffle from one owner to the next. Like Over The Top, Terlingua’s daughter was not a superstar and even though she was no slouch during her racing days, she proved disappointing as a brood mare. In giving an aging mare the right to “… live out her days in dignity,” Case Clay and Three Chimneys offer eloquent testimony about the actions we all need to take on behalf of any thoroughbred that runs the risk of going off the radar, perhaps forever.
Other than the fact that I acted as a kind of ombudsman for Chapel of Dreams, I can take absolutely no credit for this happy ending. And since I was never able to find a way to visit Terlingua when she was alive, helping in a modest way to keep Chapel of Dreams on the radar seemed a fitting way to remember “my best girl.”
Terlingua nuzzles her new baby, Chapel of Dreams (Photo by Anne M. Eberhardt, courtesy of The Blood-Horse) |
COMING SOON: Who is your favorite Secretariat descendant? Next week’s blog is about one of Secretariat’s most famous progeny — a thoroughbred who, like Big Red, was to become a legend in his own time.
>Abigail, I really enjoyed this story about Terlingua and Chapel of Dreams. I am the co-author of "Secretariat's Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend," which I wrote with Kate Chenery Tweedy. We have posted stories and photos of Secretariat descendants on our website at http://www.secretariatsmeadow.com, on our blog and on our Facebook page if you'd like to check them out. Two of his descendants – Covert Action and Rainaway – will be at our "Big Red Birthday Bash" at The Meadow on March 27. You should come and meet them!I'm going to post a link to your blog and this great story. I look forward to your next post on Secretariat's progeny.Best regards, Leeanne Meadows Ladin
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>Abigail, I was introduced to your writing through the original "Response to I Lied" at Bloodhorse.com, and found the link to your new blog at Steve Haskins' Facebook page.In the many racing blogs I follow, one of the questions I see posed most often is "do you know what became of [horse's name]?" Sadly, the question is rarely answered. With the exception of well-known stallions currently standing, it is exceedingly difficult to follow a favorite horse into retirement. So few owners have an appreciation of "fans" such as Zenyatta's connections do!Thank you for the story of the gorgeous Over the Top; and for pursuing the case of Chapel of Dreams. I give you ALL credit for her happy ending, though you do not wish to take it. YOU initiated "the action that led to justice." Consider yourself Bookmarked! I will look forward to many more articles such as this from your keyboard.
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>Another one you have introduced me too keep up the good work. Kathy Kimber
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>Thank you sharing these stories. I absolutely love reading them; there's nowhere else I would ever learn or hear of most of these horses. Please keep up the wonderful writing. And I agree with the other posters, you made the original inquiry that led Chapel of Dreams back to TC, where she can happily live out her life without a care in the world. Bless you all.
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It’s a pity you don’t have a donate button! I’d certainly donate to this brilliant blog! I suppose for now i’ll
settle for bookmarking and adding your RSS feed to my Google account.
I look forward to new updates and will share this site with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!
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Putting Green: Thank you so much for your vote of confidence! It’s really special for me to read your comment. Thank you,as well, for sharing THE VAULT with FB friends. Have a lovely holiday and all the very best to you in the New Year, Abigail
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I am a huge fan of Terlingua, despite being Australia. Secretariat caught my eye, and then for a filly to be such a star, well, I simply adore her. It was only just today I was thinking over where Terlingua’s offspring (aside from the obvious Storm Cat) have scattered to. Chapel of Dreams has always caught my attention, and you have no idea how pleased I am to hear that she has managed to achieve a happy ending. Thank you.
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Jackie: Do pardon the time it has taken to respond to an obvious soul mate! I have been into a serious SPRING CLEANING and haven’t been checking THE VAULT the wayu I should. You might be interested in reading the current post, since there are 2 among the top 5 Derby contenders who have some TERLINGUA in their pedigrees. As for Terlingua’s offspring: Wheaton stood in the USA but has since died (as has Storm Cat), Tiajuana ( by Slew O Gold) is a successful sire in India (if he’s still alive, that is), the filly Pueblo is now in Argentina (2007), Provo (Alydar) stood in Cyprus but died at age 21 (2010), Pioneering is in the USA but I can’t trace where exactly, Namesake (full brother to Storm Cat) — no idea,Final Legacy (her last foal, a filly) was sold to an American breeder during the Overbrook dispersal but no idea who it was (however, a daughter called Ranchy is in Australia, owner listed as Jon Kelly and Sam Semkin), City Gold — another filly — no idea,and Lyphard’s Dancer died before she ever got to the track, I believe. If you get any news on any of Terlingua’s babies, please let me know! Abigail
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I’ve been trying to track down Final Legacy and City Gold, but I only seem to be hitting a dead end too.
I was hoping I could have had some more information for you, but unfortunately, nothing has been coming to light.
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Correction:
The only information I have found regarding Final Legacy is that she is currently in Ireland, and was offered at the Goffs November Sale in 2013 (for a measly $62,000), but I haven’t been given a hint where she may be now.
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Jackie: I didn’t realize that she had gone overseas or, if I did, I’d forgotten. If I find out anything else about her I’ll write you and would appreciate your doing the same! Abigail
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Final Legacy was sold again at Goffs November 2015, in foal to Paco Boy (IRE). Declan Murphy signed the ticket.
I’m outraged that the final foal from Terlingua only sold for $7,453, and I’m a bit worried about where she’ll end up now.
There’s the latest update I have.
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Jackie: Yeah, I’m a bit worried too but really appreciate your research. Who does Declan Murphy represent or is he a breeder? Abigail
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I have always followed the paths of Secretariat and Crimson Saint , the dam of Terlingua and grand dam of Chapel of Dreams who also started a dynasty of winners in Nottingham , UK. It was while trying to google “Chapel of Dreams” that I came across your site.
In 2004 my partner , Garth Miller , and I bought a small grey filly by Gold keeper (son of Chapel of Dreams) x Mystic Spring , a daughter of Royal Academy who was a son of Crimson Saint.Secret of Victoria was inbred 3x4x4 to Northern Dancer , and also twice to Crimson Saint and Secretariat , who also appeared in Secreto in her pedigree.
She had a similar nature to Terlingua , as explained by Ken Mclean , in that she would chase most people out of her stable , proof of remarkable genetics.
Anyway she won multiple graded races and placed 2nd in a Gr1.She , so far , has bred 2 Gr1 winners in South Africa.
Gold keeper was champion stallion in Zimbabwe on 3 occasions before coming to South Africa.Basil Nelson
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Hi Mr. Nelson. Sorry for the delay getting back to you. I read your comments with great interest. I did not know about Goldkeeper going to Zimbabwe until after the article was written, pedigree sites being what they are over here in North America. Or that Chapel of Dreams started a dynasty in Nottingham through her daughter, Secret of Victoria and her progeny in SAF. And I see that you own a champion in The Secret Is Out, too. I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to learn this about Chapel and Terlingua, of whom I am completely besotted. I even made a special trip to Kentucky to visit her grave at Overbrook Farm. And although she can’t take all the credit for Storm Cat, it is amazing to me how the Storm Cat daughters have come on as sources of greatness. Here’s a piece I wrote but there have been triumphs since: specifically 2 Triple Crown winners! Here’s the link: https://thevaulthorseracing.wordpress.com/2015/06/21/storm-over-the-american-triple-crown-royal-ascot-2015/ It’s been lovely hearing from you! And thank you so much for taking the time to write. It was much appreciated. Abigail Anderson
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Hi Abigail, good to hear from you. The daughter of Chapel of Dreams , Wiener Wald , by Woodman , went to Nottingham and created another dynasty. Her daughter , Argent du Bois (by Roberto’s son Silver Hawk) bred Ticker Tape who won the American Oaks Gr1. Interestingly we also sent Secret of Victoria to a Roberto line stallion , Captain Al, who produced 2 GR1 winners with her. Also interesting is that Woodman and Captain Al have Buckpasser who abounds in the #8 family of Terlingua. Our mating also gave us the Secretariat x Sir Gaylord mating. The Nottingham site is carcolstonhallstud.com.
For pedigrees I use the USA site “pedigreequery.com.
All the very best for 2019.
Regards
Basil Nelson
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Hi Basil. Wow. That’s absolutely fascinating. So sad the Chapel was considered a “dud” as a broodmare in the USA. (I’m Canadian.) In fact, I helped to rescue her from the meat wagon with the help of Case Clay of Three Chimneys who bought her and retired her for life at his farm. I wrote about that in a post way back in 2010-11 called “Off The Radar — Sometimes Forever.” I also use pedigree query but I find they aren’t always as up-to-date as I like. I have really enjoyed our correspondence. The very best in 2019 to you as well. Abigail
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Here you will find an actual picture from Wiener Wald (29 years old) on the left, a daughter of Chapel of Dreams, with her own daughter Argent Du Bois (25 years old)
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