Sad Synchronicity
Lawyer Ron working at Belmont (Sarah K. Andrew)
How odd that not one but two posts this week reminded me of Lawyer Ron. First was the sad and unexpected news of Papi Chullo’s death as Papi looked to be in great form going in to the 2007 Whitney. The second was that the Whitney will be a Breeders’ Cup W&YI race, in fact I almost used a photo of Lawyer Ron for that post.
I was lucky enough to be at the 2007 Whitney on my first trip to Saratoga when Lawyer Ron had his coming out party by way of romp and track record. Swifty, Joan and I were stunned by his performance, primarily because we all had completely dismissed him but also because his win was so emphatic.
It’s amazing how many horses from the 2007 Whitney are no longer with us. First Wanderin’ Boy, next Papi Chullo and now Lawyer Ron…. it wasn’t THAT long ago. Let’s take a moment to be thankful for Dry Martini, shall we? Horses, like celebrities and sports figures, seem to be dying at a quicker than normal pace these days.
Lawyer Ron was no slouch as a 3yo winning the Risen Star, Rebel, Southwest and St. Louis Derby.
But the switch to Pletcher seemed to help him bring it all together. Sure, he still had trouble settling down on occasion but he won the Whitney, Woodward and Oaklawn and ran a very game second to HOY Curlin in the Jockey Club Gold Cup.
If you haven’t seen it already, The First Saturday in May featured Lawyer Ron and then trainer Bob Holthus on the Derby trail. Lawyer Ron’s groom Chuck Chambers was one of the more memorable characters in the film. It was clear how much he loved Lawyer Ron and I felt bad for him when Lawyer Ron got transferred to Pletcher.
Apparently the Champion Older Horse of 2007 was making quite an impression as stallion. Clark Shepherd, manager of Stonewall Farm Stallions noted.
His first foals are tremendous. When breeders call in to report their Lawyer Ron foals being born, they all have a story to tell.
Many people loved Lawyer Ron and you see plenty of great shots of him at flickr. Rest in Peace Lawyer Ron and condolences to Stonewall Farm and all of his previous connections.
Update: Steve Haskin’s tribute to Lawyer Ron is not to be missed.
Posted by dana on Jul 11 2009
Filed Under: Farewell, Sarah K. Andrew, YouTube, Wanderin' Boy, Steve Haskin, 2009, Oaklawn, Papi Chullo, Todd Pletcher, Saratoga, Breeding, Belmont, Curlin, Race Replay, Lawyer Ron, Racing
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D—great tribute
Agree with Ernie; great look back at him. You mention the horses from the ‘07 Whitney who have died; it occurred to me yesterday that Lawyer Ron is the second from the Hennegans’ movie to die.
Blech.
thx & yes, blech.
Dana,
I would argue that the switch in jockeys that came with the move to Pletcher made the biggest difference in Lawyer Ron’s career. He was an absolute smasher in Arkansas. And having visited him in person must agree Lawyer Ron had very little in which to fault him. I have only seen two of his foals but they are as good as advertised.
Good point David! I wonder how many foals he has and/or will end up (if there are any mares in foal).
It’s really rare when I am not upset by some poor handicapping, but that Whitney was so impressive I didn’t care that I missed cashing a ticket. He was beyond magnificent that day…it was a performance for the ages, truly.
9-3-1 ain’t too shabby for 16 stakes starts. His only off starts were the KYD and both BC Classics. Otherwise, ALWAYS in the money. RIP big guy.
I was present for that Whitney too and have always felt he was underrated. Had a fond spot for Papi Chullo too, always ran his heart out despite overmatched in many of his spots.