D O G W O O D
N E W S L E T T E R
139
th
MAY 2013
PHOTO © THE BLOOD-HORSE / RICK SAMUELS
VOL. XXXVII No. 1
S T A B L E
Ooh! Too Much, Too Soon... But On to the Belmont
On a wet track, Palace Malice ran the fastest first three-quarters of a mile in the 139-year
history of the Kentucky Derby (4 seconds
faster than the Preakness). This is a great way
to create excitement… (see photo) but a poor
way to win the Kentucky Derby.
Always easy to rate in his earlier races,
Palace Malice took off like a scalded dog
when the gate opened and never considered
relaxing until he ran out of gas in the stretch.
His new blinkers sharpened him too much.
Or maybe the Churchill Downs’ tumult from
a bellowing crowd of 150,000 put him on the
muscle, and when his Hall of Fame rider Mike
Smith goosed him at the break, he might have
said: “If you don’t believe I’m leaving, count
the days I’m gone!”
He fought bravely to the finish but his race
was over and an opportunity was squandered.
He was our eighth Derby runner, and what
a great experience it is — “the thrill of a lifetime in a lifetime of thrills.”
His Derby prep campaign started on
January 19, when he came out after a fivemonth layoff and finished second in an allowance race in Florida. Then, on February 23 he
ran in the Risen Star Stakes in New Orleans,
his first time around two turns, and finished
an encouraging close third in the mile-anda-sixteenth race. We wheeled him back on
March 30 in the $1 million Louisiana Derby.
He had a nightmare trip, being completely
blocked for the last five-sixteenths of a mile.
We had decided if he ran well enough in that
race to get Derby qualifying points, but did not
get any, we would ship to Lexington and run
in the Blue Grass Stakes. We did, and he was
second, beaten about three feet.
In that race, while leading about six jumps
from the wire, he switched leads when distracted by some starting gate tracks on the
race track. To avoid such costly distractions
in the future the decision was made to put
blinkers on him, and he trained and worked
beautifully in them.
Clearly, our colt had an active campaign
to get to the big dance, so we abandoned any
thoughts of the Preakness. Right now he is
doing wonderfully. We will run him in the
Belmont Stakes on June 8.
Somewhere there is some blue sky for
him and his partners: Paul Oreffice, Margaret
Smith, Mike Schneider, Charlie Pigg, and
Carl Myers.
– WCC
Anne Campbell’s Derby Diary 2013 Editor’s Note: Although Anne Campbell’s
Derby Diary is not an annual publishing event
like her popular Saratoga Diary is, we know you
will enjoy this personal glimpse into Dogwood’s
2013 Derby quest with Palace Malice.
February 23: We’ve come to New Orleans
to run Palace Malice in the
Risen Star. We are on a quest
for Derby points, the new system. Palace Malice takes the
first step as he drives down
the stretch, beaten a half
length for third and picking
up 10 points for the Derby.
We’re on our way!
March 30: Back to the Fair
Grounds with a horse that has
been training flawlessly for the
Louisiana Derby… we have
to pick up some points today.
We watch in shock and horror
as the horse made a bold move
on the inside only to be stymied from every
angle. He had NOWHERE to go though he
was full of run. As Cot inimitably put it, “He
was like a loaded gun with the safety on.” We
were stunned. Still only 10 points. Nothing to
do but try the Blue Grass at Keeneland.
April 13: Reckoning Day. Our last shot. Talk
about nervous!!! He runs a splendid race. On
the lead coming down the stretch, nipped
at the wire by Java’s War. Again, the roller
coaster of emotions play out… He won… no,
he didn’t. He finished second and garnered 40
points. We are going to run in the Kentucky
Derby on May 4th.
April 26: All of Aiken is excited. Palace
Malice is their horse. We’ve had 800 buttons
made and everybody wants one. They are
being worn all over town. They’ve become
a status symbol. This is one of the myriad
assignments Mary Jane Howell is executing.
She has “come in from the bull pen” to help
us out. And thank goodness.
Mike Smith talked to Cot after he flew in
from California this morning to work Palace
Malice – and was impressed!
Derby Week: Tuesday… settling in at
Mockingbird Valley on the grounds of the
Louisville Country Club. Yes, Mockingbird
Valley… no kidding! Here we are for one of
the most stressful, frenetic events imaginable
and Cot and I are staying in a little piece of
paradise far from the madding crowds. As I
write this journal, I am lying in a hammock
enjoying bird calls, a balmy breeze and blue
skies. This gem of a house belongs to our
longtime friend Joanne Owen. This is our
eighth stay, and in honor of all these Derbys
Joanne has filled the house with yellow lilies and painted a bathroom wall with the
Dogwood logo and the names of the eight
Derby runners!!! (See photo). What a friend.
2
Tonight, the traditional Trainers’ Dinner. With Relais, with Lila and grandson Brady. We
five runners, Todd plays the leading role. Nice ate there last Derby (2004) with Furman and
that he pays tribute to Cot.
Lynda Bisher.
Wednesday… golf and lunch at the Louisville Friday… the rest of the family arrive from
Country Club, then on to the Post Position coast to coast (Seattle, Richmond, DC, and
Draw. One thing Churchill Downs does beau- New York). They rush off to Churchill to see
tifully is to assign “hosts” to the Kentucky Oaks. Cot and I take a respite,
owners. Ours this year was saving our resources for Saturday.
the charming, lovely Alice
Brady (14) is seeing his first Derby and
Bridges. We’ve had Alice made his first bet with an uncashed ticket I
before and we love her. brought from the Blue Grass. Memorable
Hosts are community, civic stuff. I remember my first Derby and bet. It
and business leaders who are was Northern Dancer in 1964.
hand-picked for this project.
Dinner that night in a lovely private room
Thursday… early morning at the Louisville Country Club. May I say my
trip to barn again to see Palace family is sensational!
Malice gallop on the track. Best Saturday… Cot and I leave at 11:00 after much
time of the day.
oohing and aahing over all family members’
One of the extraordinary outfits, hats, buttons… and then, sadly, steady
truths about the Derby is that rain brought out the ponchos covering the sartoit brings an explosion of joy rial splendor we had put so much thought (not
and fun to all the connec- to mention money) into.
tions. Our family and friends from all over
Funny thing: though it never stopped rainAND all of Aiken are celebrating having a ing and was cold, nobody cared. Not a
horse to root for. And this is happening with complaint all day about the weather. The
nineteen other families. Connecting them to experience is such a heightened one, nothpeople they hardly know, haven’t heard from ing can distract/detract from it. We parked at
in years, didn’t know
Todd’s barn and rode
they cared, etc. Some
over to the clubhouse
are having Derby parin a shuttle.
ties featuring Jillian O’s
Our box was first
(Paul Oreffice’s grandclass, prime seats, but
daughter) song Grab It.
because of all the tents,
It’s a video based on a
bleachers and stands in
comment by Cot and
the infield you don’t
has footage of Palace
have a clue what’s
Malice. If you missed it,
happening on the backsee it now on YouTube.
stretch. You have to try
Reeeeallly good. Jillian
to decipher on poorly
is a future star!
displayed, dim screens
Is Cot down for the count?
Our man in charge of
where your horse is
Dogwood logistical operations is Jack Sadler. during his backstretch run.
Jack wears many hats and getting the proper
The eight-hour day passes fairly quickly
credentials to the proper people is surely one considering the level of stress. It is filled with
of the most challenging. Jack must walk 25 well-wishers, greeting old friends, stringing
miles from box to box on Derby Day, making out a long lunch, kibitzing with our family
sure partners have what they need.
and partners. Too cold and wet for cold and
Highlights: Morning at the barn… Cot is wet Mint Juleps!! Finally, it’s time to go
engulfed, dozens of people wishing him luck, to the paddock for the big race. Two genwanting interviews, asking for pictures… erations—representing Cot—make the fabled
Todd’s five contenders lined up for baths after walk-over with the horse to the paddock (see
their workouts. Wonder how much money is Lila’s accompanying article on the experirepresented there?...Walking out on the track ence). All the partners pass – except for game
flanked by several hundred people yelling, Cathleen Myers.
waving, cheering Palace Malice… Donuts
The paddock is crowded with “the beautiand coffee in the press room… Dozens of ful people.” The rain slows up long enough
competent-looking security officers policing for the ladies to shed their desultory raincoats
Todd’s barn… All five owners represented by and put on a fashion show… but only briefly.
Todd, laughing, enjoying genuine camaradeWe somehow fight our way back to
rie. I LOVE horse people. I cannot do justice the box in one piece, taut nerves, hearts in
to the atmosphere of energy and commonality throats waiting for My Old Kentucky Home
amongst people of all ranks.
to herald the equine stars onto the track.
Dinner at an old favorite restaurant, Le (Continued on page 4)
Running for Roses
We have recapped in several newsletter stories
our Derby record of running eight horses in
seven Kentucky Derbies. We thought it would
be fun to show you all of Dogwood’s Derby
buttons, starting with Summer Squall in 1990.
Interestingly, in the last 40 years only four
outfits have had more runners in the Kentucky
Derby than our stable.
Dogwood
has been to
eight Derbys and
competed in many
other big races,
and the support
and interest in this
community and,
indeed, throughout
the region, has
always been
overwhelming.
But never has it
been as feverish
as with
Palace Malice’s
Derby run
on May 4.
1990
S
1993
lin
mi
gi n
Sina
S m
1994
1997
A Cavalcade of Derby Memories…
My first vivid memory of the Kentucky
Derby came in 1934, in the dining room of the
elegant St. Charles Hotel in New Orleans. My
grandfather, a cotton broker, was a gambling
man, and he loved the horses. He told me he
would bet two dollars for me on any horse
in the Derby that day, and skillfully nudged
me toward selecting Cavalcade. The great
Brookmeade runner got the job done, and
horse racing seemed rather interesting to me.
Second vivid Derby memory. In 1942, my
father had sold a Coca Cola bottling plant
to go into the horse business (the “mother”
of all ghastly career moves) and we had a
horse running at Churchill on Derby Day. So
he took me. My first Derby. Greentree won
with Shut Out.
I attended the Derby annually during the
Sixties. For the early part of the Seventies I
covered the Derby for a chain of Southeastern
newspapers, thrilled to pieces that I was in
the same press box with Red Smith, Jimmy
Cannon, Furman Bisher, Joe Hirsch, and
other media stars.
Dogwood was started in 1973, but
predictably we did not have a Derby runner
for awhile. It was
1990 and he was a
doozy: co-favorite
Summer Squall. He
ran second and then
went on to win the
Preakness, and a
whole lot more.
Since then we
have run seven more
horses: Wallenda in
1993; Smilin Singin
Sam, 1994; Jack
Flash, l997; Trippi
and Impeachment,
2000 (third); and
Limehouse, 2004
(fourth).
Palace
Malice was our
Trippi
2000
2000 Impeachment
2004
2013
eighth runner. Alas, he lost all chance
when he zoomed off with a suicidal pace,
leading the parade into the stretch with the
sizzling fractions of a sprinter, and then
inevitably he faltered.
Just as I was exposed to the great event
through my grandfather 79 years ago, so
were several of my grandchildren on hand
for the 2013 running. What a life!
Just wait until 2014!
– WCC
3
The “Walk Over” by Lila Campbell
There is no world like the world of horses. Palace Malice was third among them.
horseracing. And there is no place and no We settled into place alongside him and
scene on earth like the Kentucky Derby.
began our highly anticipated journey to the
Dogwood Stable has had eight entries in land of big dreams.
seven different years from 1990 to 2013, and
The hope is almost tangible at this
my sister and brother-in-law and I have been juncture. There’s a camaraderie among the
thrilled to be along for the ride for each one.
walkers, each sticking as close to their horse
Palace Malice brought us to the twin spires as possible but mixing it up with each other
this time, and the Campbell grandchildren as the “woo-hoos” and excited screams of
were able to join in the festivities.
support from the stands grow louder with
Derby Day had arrived at last, after a each step. The collage of colors and hats
couple of weeks of head-spinning logistical and happy faces looks like a live mural. I
details. The energy amongst the Dogwood got chills and couldn’t have stopped smiling
family was palpable. We arrived at Churchill if I’d tried.
Downs at 11 a.m. on Derby Day and bit our
Around the turn and into the stretch, I found
nails, sipped mint juleps and placed a few bets myself walking along in my own little world,
on the races leading up to The Big One. The soaking in every detail and overflowing with
highlight of the long but
gratitude to be a part of this
magical day for me was
spectacular opportunity.
being told that a few of
Halfway into the turn,
us could walk over on the
I noticed the man next to
track from the barn with
me had a look of awe on
our magnificent horse, the
his face that I knew was
real reason we were there.
similar to mine. We gave
This “walk over” has
each other that knowing
become a very popular
smile, and I said, “This is
tradition among Derby
really something, isn’t it?”
owners since the 1990s
With tears in his eyes and
when Dogwood had its
an appreciative grin, he
first Derby horse. My
nodded and said, “This is
father has always liked to
really something…”
go to the barn before a The “walk over” is obviously still
I found Campbell was
big race and come over
just
ahead of me in the
popular, even in the mud!
with the horse. As years
last part of the stretch, so
passed and we had a few more Derby entries, I caught up and threw my arm around her
we would join him and the great Dogwood and we got choked up together, walking past
partners on the walk.
the Churchill Downs finish line with our
Immediately after the 10th race amidst Derby horse two feet from us, he was clearly
much discussion about the rain and mud assessing what he was walking into. It was
dilemma, i.e. footwear and rainwear, my quite dramatic to observe his eye looking
sister Cary, brother-in-law Andrew, daughter sideways into the crowd and taking in the
Campbell, Dogwood partner Cathleen Myers, overwhelmingly loud, action-packed scene
and I began our trek to Todd Pletcher’s barn. like no other he’d seen.
The rain miraculously stopped as we emerged
As we took in the seemingly endless sea of
from the tunnel on to the mud bath track faces, I couldn’t believe it when we suddenly
surface.
spotted the rest of the family waving and
Campbell and I ditched our high heels.
yelling to us from the box. To see my son’s
As soon as we dug into the soupy mud face with his cousins and grandparents was a
mess with our bare feet and were snapping total bonus and added a wonderful layer to the
pictures of our nicely pedicured feet oozing already emotional experience.
into the surface, a mass of photographers
In the ‘tunnel of hope’ I suddenly noticed
gathered on the track and our happy dirty feet my oldest buddy in racing. Elliott Walden
became sudden celebrities!
was directly in front of me (Revolutionary
My sister and I entered the barn area connections). We have a bank of memories
together. Our parents had decided to view since we met in Saratoga at age 11. It felt
the proceedings from the box and meet us in hugely significant to walk through this tunnel
the paddock. We headed to Todd’s barn to with him. I put my hand on his shoulder
wait for Palace Malice to get tacked up for right before we walked into the light of the
the biggest moment in his short career. The paddock and said, “Elliott, can you believe…
atmosphere there was almost eerily calm.
after all we’ve experienced since we were 11
We spoke to Rigoberto Aguilar, the years old, that we’d be here today walking
horse’s proud groom, and were getting his into the paddock of the Kentucky Derby
pre-race assessment when out paraded this together?!” We marveled at the moment
ceremonious line of five stunningly beautiful together and suddenly someone behind him
4
shouted, “Elliott, this is the day!!,” to which
he replied… “That the Lord has made!” I shot
back with an “Amen!”
Dogwood salutes our close associates,
Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. They
are leading the nation in graded stakes
wins. What a year this outfit has had!
Remarkable in that they only went into
business in the fall of 2011.
A year ago Dogwood and Eclipse
president Aron Wellman reached an
agreement involving the marketing of our
shares. And, we were able to blend some
of our operating procedures efficiently.
This association has been harmonious.
The longer we work with these people the
better we like them. They wear well.
We congratulate them on the stunning
success of their baby blue and black colors.
Dogwood hopes to expand our
relationship with Eclipse in the
coming months.
Anne’s Diary
(Continued from page 2).
My eyes could hardly contain the dramatic,
elegant pageantry. The tears spilled over, I
couldn’t get a breath and I’m sure my chest
nearly burst with pride when I saw Palace
Malice and Mike Smith in our handsome
yellow and green silks step out on the track.
It seems another lifetime for those horses to
load and that gate to crash open and those
magnificent creatures to explode out.
Now you know how the story ended.
But you don’t know how it played in
Aiken. That magnificent, gorgeous display
of raw, unbridled speed out there in those
green and yellow polka dots gave Aiken
plenty to cheer about. It was magical for
a moment. He was leading the field in the
2013 Kentucky Derby. Aiken’s horse.
When we got home, you would have
thought he won. Everyone was proud that
he made such a showing. Cot got a standing
ovation at Rotary!
There is truly nothing in the world like
running in the Derby. No wonder we want it
so crazily. I can’t do it justice but I do know
of nothing that brings more joy and excitement and pleasure to more people.
As always, I thank God for giving us
Palace Malice and all the others.
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1. The late Bill Johnson and Susan Sadler at the Charlotte hunt meeting to see Trippo. 2. New Jersey’s Governor Chris Christie,
on the clocker’s stand in Aiken. Son Patrick (barely visible), Cot and David Samson, chairman of the Port Authority of New York
and New Jersey. 3. Aiken Trials… You can tell by their posteriors that we did not win. 4. Anne with Brian Spearman, who came to see
None Like Nolan run. 5. Mike and Kari Schneider before the Blue Grass Stakes. 6. Anne, Jo Ann Oreffice and Cathleen Myers – New
Orleans. 7. Two strong Aiken Palace Malice people: Dickey Boardman and Leighton McLendon. 8 Palace Malice buttons everywhere.
Buddy Coward and granddaughter Ann Ellis McIntosh. 9. Sela and Lily Roshau watching from far-off Fargo, North Dakota.
At the Derby…. 10. Carl Myers holds up a non-prophetic headline. 11. Post position draw: Charlie Pigg and our elated jockey Mike Smith.
12. Trainers’ Dinner. Aron Wellman, Adrienne Hall, Cot and Todd.
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21
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13. Farrier Ray Amato, Mike Smith and his agent, Brad Pegram. 14. Training hours. University of Louisville football coach Charlie Strong,
Anne, radio personality Paul Rogers, and Ed Musselman (Indian Charlie) in mid-utterance. 15. Campbell family with strange looking patriarch.
16. Louisville landlady (and great pal) Joanne Owen prepares for Campbell’s arrival. 17. Heavy security at Pletcher barn – one for
every Derby horse! 18. No possible explanation. 19. Derby Day. Bill Victor, Susan Sadler and Diane Smith. 20. Carl Myers, Mike and
Kari Schneider, Dani Wright, with Cathleen Myers in front. 21. Ladies Room scene at Churchill. 22. Pre-Derby buffet lunch – al fresco, but
under an awning. Diane Smith, Andrew Umhau, Susan and Jack Sadler, and Lila Campbell. 23. Riotous Campbell family.
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24. Anne (note “fascinator”), Cot and bemused Ian Smith. 25. Andrew and Cary Umhau. 26. Crunch time. Pletcher is going to saddle five
Derby runners!!! 27. Jack and Cathleen Myers waiting to “walk over”… in the mud! 28. Leaving the barn. That’s his fine exercise rider
Jake Nelson on Palace Malice’s right. 29. Diane Smith inviting Paul Oreffice to dance? 30. Derby foolishness: “Where’s Waldo” (unidentified).
31. Hats galore! Jo Ann Oreffice, Cary Umhau, Margaret Smith, and Anne Campbell. In the paddock… 32. “Sir… Oh sir – would you have
the correct time?” 33. “Mike, for God’s sake, don’t put this horse on the lead!!”
7
Editor’s Notebook
Anne Campbell first learned about forget when the horses were battling down smart, thorough, and when presented
Saratoga WarHorse last August and she has the stretch and our colt was one of four who with a problem has been consistent with
been a big supporter ever since. In fact, she had a real shot. For a boy who grew up in providing a sound solution.”
is the young organization’s newest board Kentucky that’s as good as it gets… and I
“Our accounting will now be handled by
member. Saratoga WarHorse is a unique
our Lexington CPA firm, Radwan, Brown
program that addresses the suicide rate
and Company. We have been together for
caused by the distinct challenges facing our
45 years, and they are the best.”
veteran population.
***
“What I love about Saratoga WarHorse
Mike Freeman died this spring, and with
is the simplicity of the program and how it
his passing we lost one of the last members
goes beyond all the surface remedies that
of the old-time roster of Aiken trainers.
society always throws at things like this. I
Mike, who trained for Alfred Vanderbilt
think it touches the soul and offers results
and other notable owners, was entry 1 and
that can be life-changing,” she explained.
1-A with the legendary Mack Miller. The
The premise behind the program is that
latter conditioned champions for Charles
the horse is the perfect vehicle to lead
Engelhard and Paul Mellon, the sport’s
veterans back to peace.
crème de la crème, and won the 1993
“Go to the website – SaratogaWarHorse.
Kentucky Derby with Sea Hero (Mack
Mike Freeman and Mack Miller – golf
com – to learn about this important
was 71 at the time). Mack passed away in
champions back in the day.
program… it is truly saving lives,”
2010, but neither man had been active on
said Anne.
the racing scene for several years.
***
Mike had begun his career as
Diane Smith is with us now,
a steeplechase rider and started
serving as Cot’s secretary/assistant.
training in the mid-1960s at the
Diane replaced Missy Poe, who
request of Vanderbilt. His most
did a splendid job in that spot for
famous charge was the great
five years, leaving when her first
race mare Shuvee, who was the
grandchild arrived. We thank Missy.
Champion Older Female in 1970
We are overjoyed to regain the
and 1971.
services of Diane – a known quantity
Their pattern when training
of much quality.
was New York – New York –
She worked at Dogwood from
New York… and then into winter
1987 to 2002. She is an old friend,
quarters in Aiken. As far as racing
a lively addition to the group… and
was concerned these guys felt
we appreciate having her.
that anywhere west of the Hudson
***
River and you were camping out!
Bill Victor has been Dogwood’s
When November came it was to
treasurer since 1991 but he will soon
Aiken for freshening – for both
be leaving us.
man and beast.
“My life has been pulling me in
When in Aiken, Mike and Mack
different directions for quite awhile
joined such famed conditioners
Cot and Anne Campbell preparing to lead the post parade
now,” explained Bill. “I have a
as John Gaver, Frank Wright,
at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
wife and three great kids who are
Angel Penna, Woody Stephens,
growing up too fast; a restaurant
Jim Maloney, Buddy Raines,
in North Augusta (About Thyme
Steve Penrod, Bobby Dotter,
Cafe); and a trail building company (Long still get chills thinking about it.”
Oleg Dubassoff, John “Trader” Clark, and
“I loved working with the great folks Sandy Cassatt.
Cane Trails).”
Bill came to Dogwood after working in the Dogwood office and building
They were refugees from a kinder,
for Nelson Bunker Hunt’s operation relationships with the Dogwood partners gentler time. They let up on their stock
in Kentucky. A native of the bluegrass over the years,” he said.
during the winter, played a hell of a lot of
“We will maintain an association golf, told a lot of stories, and enjoyed life in
state, Bill graduated from the University
of Kentucky and has been a lifelong with Bill, I am happy to say,” said a charming town.
Cot Campbell. “He has contributed
Wildcats fan.
Around January you could feel the tempo
Asked about his favorite memories while enormously through the years. He is pick up as the two-year-olds began to breeze
at Dogwood, he said there
and the older horses gradually
were several – starting with
got down to business. By midW. Cothran Campbell, President
the day that Lila Campbell
April the stock was ready and
Mary Jane Howell, Newsletter Editor
introduced him to his future
the outfits were packing up.
Address: 702 Chafee Lane, SW
wife Liz in 1994 (it was a
They reluctantly said goodbye
Aiken, South Carolina 29801
blind date). There were also
to Aiken.
Tel: (803) 642-2972 Fax: (803) 642-2747
those indelible Derby trips, but
But the horses and the men
DOGWOOD E-mail: [email protected]
his favorite was 2004 when
came
out of South Carolina…
STABLE, INC. Web address: dogwoodstable.com
Limehouse ran: “I will never
with running on their minds!