Proud Day
Proud Spell entering the winner's circle after the Alabama.
It was something to see trainer Larry Jones, waiting for Proud Spell to gallop out, with a quiver in his jaw, blinking back tears threatening to break. Photographers pressed and congratulations flowed; he paced in the Saratoga dirt and tried to smile. He couldn't stand still, he couldn't speak, his filly had won the Alabama and done so tenaciously, digging in to get to the wire first by a head over favored Music Note.
"If Eight Belles were here," said a reporter leaning against the rail, his back to the returning field, "this would have been her race. She was better than either of those fillies." Those fillies, so talented and fast, settling a championship over the track, still not enough to fill a gap in the division.
Jones strode toward Proud Spell, signaled to the groom to enter the winner's circle. Pictures taken, trophy bestowed, the filly unsaddled and led away, question time began. Jones could talk again, and he had praise for the beaten rival, for rider Gabriel Saez, and especially for the game 'Spell. "She shows up every time," he said. "This filly has been here all year. She was the first horse to beat Indian Blessing, who was the champion. She showed up for the Kentucky Oaks, she's still around for the Alabama ... in my mind, there's no doubt she's the best 3-year-old filly in the country."
What's next is uncertain. "We'll try to enjoy this win a little more than the Kentucky Oaks," Jones said, then paused, stumbled. "Because that got short-tailed ... we'll plan something for her later."
Proud Spell wins for two.
Posted by JC, Aug 16, 2008 11:00 PM
Comments
Posted by Teresa, Aug 17, 2008 06:43 AM
Great stuff, Jess -- especially since your love for Music Note is well documented.
u b a fair and balanced 'bird
Posted by Ernie, Aug 17, 2008 09:31 AM
You've whetted my appetite for the rematch in the Breed ... oops, that's a synthetic track.
Posted by John S., Aug 17, 2008 09:54 AM
Hoorraayy for Larry!
Posted by libby, Aug 17, 2008 10:07 AM
Congrats on the mention by Crist. (Green with envy I am.)
Posted by Cangamble, Aug 17, 2008 02:42 PM
Teresa, thank you. It was affecting to see Jones and his wife immediately after the race and all the emotion they so obviously felt at the win. Happy, very happy, pride tinged with sadness ...
Ernie, I still love Music Note. Proud Spell was just the better filly ... and might be in a rematch.
Which we probably won't see. Jones said he was "leery" of the Pro-Ride, and indicated no Breeders' Cup. Another one out, John? Who the heck is going to run at Santa Anita this fall?
And I'll second that, Libby! Jones is really one of the good guys in this game.
Thanks for the comment, Cangamble. The Crist mention was pretty nice, although I can think of several other sites more deserving ...
Posted by Jessica, Aug 17, 2008 05:51 PM
Well said. For all of there that day, it will not be forgotten. It was the highlight of the meet. One of my good friends down in Philadelphia, watching it on simulcast at a local Turf club down there, called me on the cell phone minutes after the race and simply said: You saw a hell of a race.
Posted by Robert, Aug 18, 2008 10:06 AM
This is very fine, Jessica. Of course, Those cats Teresa has sent me over!!! I don't even look at NYT any more. You all are doing it so much better. Sorry I couldn't see more of you at Spa but looking forward to fall. & I want to hear more about your TV appearance. I bought some AT&T (T) today (stock). The way you all use those things, how can I miss?? Fun money for the fall, I hope. Lynne
Posted by Lynne Veitch, Aug 18, 2008 07:26 PM
You captured this beautifully, Jessica -- the win was impressive on its own, but Jones's reactions and comments made the accomplishment sublime.