Anyone out there working at Fair Grounds? Neil Howards barn?

[erhrdt3]

Hello horsey friends,

I'm posting this to see if there is anyone out there working at the Fair Grounds racecourse right now?

I would esp. like to hear from someone that may be working for trainer Neil Howard, who trains my fav. horse currently racing, the gallant and brave Grasshopper.

Mr. Howard, I believe, is working to bring Grasshopper back, I read somewhere that he was injured, don't know if it was a bone or ligament issue, but it's nice to see that he is not being given up on. He's 7 years old (see Zenyatta coulda kept going) but anyway, if anyone is down there in New Orleans, please write back.

Many thanks to you all for all the info. I learn so much from all the posts on here (well most of them!)

[jellac]

Could have sworn that I heard a race called on either TVG or HRTV this afternoon that featured the wonderful Grasshopper you're speaking of - what's not to like about such a game older guy? I didn't actually see the finish so can't say how he did/came out of it. Just remember hearing the name mentioned during the Post Parade and thinking 'Oh! That's who my money would be on! I wish him and his trainer the very best of luck.

Go! Grasshopper!!!

[TJ]

Hi erhart, Jellac,
Jellac, you heard right....he's raced twice in his comeback trail at Fair Grounds, unfortunately he ran last both starts. In his most recent race yesterday, 1/29/11 he pressed the pace, poked his head in front with a bit more than a 1/4 of a mile remaining but gave way and was beaten 9. Here are his workouts and the race replay, TJ

The race, click on race 7: http://www.fairgroundsracecourse.com/vi ... 2011-01-29

Fair Grounds 1/24/11 4F 48.80 Breezing Rank 13/88

Fair Grounds 1/18/11 4F 48.60 Breezing Rank 1/22

Fair Grounds 1/04/11 4F 48.20 Breezing Rank 2/31

Fair Grounds 12/29/10 5F 1:00.80 Breezing Rank 4/40

Fair Grounds 12/20/10 5F 1:01.20 Breezing Rank 3/44

Fair Grounds 12/12/10 4F 49.80 Breezing Rank 24/68

[erhrdt3]

Thank you both for the info. I knew he ran yesterday, but sadly there has got to be something wrong with the poor guy.

What made me take notice of him a few years back is how hard he ran in a couple of the big races, led all the way, and got nipped at the end by Street Sense. Grasshopper was just running his heart out in those races.

I hope he is not feeling pain or anything. I'm thinking that perhaps it might be time to let him have his well deserved fun as a stallion. He has a great pedigree and we are hoping he comes to the Lexington area when retired! This is the only way I will re-breed my mare at this time, with the courage and bravery this colt showed I would place my bet that he would pass it on to his foals.
Not to mention how very handsome of a horse he is.

Thanks again, if anyone hears anything more about The Gallant Grasshopper, please let me know.

[erhrdt3]

I just watched the replay (thank you for posting the link by the way!) and poor Grasshopper showed his old self in the beginning, wanting to get into a 2 horse fight, but he burned himself out.

Is it age? Injury? I want that horse regardless if he never wins another race.

Thanks again friends, for the info.

[TJ]

Thank you both for the info. I knew he ran yesterday, but sadly there has got to be something wrong with the poor guy.

What made me take notice of him a few years back is how hard he ran in a couple of the big races, led all the way, and got nipped at the end by Street Sense. Grasshopper was just running his heart out in those races.

I hope he is not feeling pain or anything. I'm thinking that perhaps it might be time to let him have his well deserved fun as a stallion. He has a great pedigree and we are hoping he comes to the Lexington area when retired! This is the only way I will re-breed my mare at this time, with the courage and bravery this colt showed I would place my bet that he would pass it on to his foals.
Not to mention how very handsome of a horse he is.

Thanks again, if anyone hears anything more about The Gallant Grasshopper, please let me know.

Hi erhrdt,
I don't think you have to worry about Neil Howard breaking one down....he's very aware of the condition of all the horses in his care and has a lot of patience. Neil still gives a horse all the time they need to be 100% when they run. He won't go on with him if he's not happy with the way he's going, or if he thinks Grasshopper is in pain when he runs. He may need to get a couple races into him before he'll be able to fire again in that class level......they are some of the fittest and fastest horses on the grounds. The fact they tried to bring him back to the races makes be think he has some fertility problems? TJ

[erhrdt3]

Hi TJ and again, a big thank you for posting that race link and all the information.

This race of his, even though it ended bad, was better than his first comeback race, so you are hitting the bullseye, I'd bet. I hope so, there is just something about this colt I love.

Have you seen his races a couple years ago? They are on youtube but something wrong w/my computer or I'd post them for you. Just total digging in with all heart, and I had never heard of him before that, but his performance in those races really made me take notice.

I'm glad you said that about Mr. Howard. Good that he takes time with the horse and keeps their best interest at heart. I spoke to the Fair Grounds office and they gave me his address to write him there, so I'll be doing that.

I could have sworn I read somewhere that Grasshopper was injured but I can't remember where... Do you think they would have even tried breeding him if they were still intending on racing him?

Thank you again for the info, I enjoy reading your posts!

TE

[TJ]

Hi TJ and again, a big thank you for posting that race link and all the information.

This race of his, even though it ended bad, was better than his first comeback race, so you are hitting the bullseye, I'd bet. I hope so, there is just something about this colt I love.

Have you seen his races a couple years ago? They are on youtube but something wrong w/my computer or I'd post them for you. Just total digging in with all heart, and I had never heard of him before that, but his performance in those races really made me take notice.

I'm glad you said that about Mr. Howard. Good that he takes time with the horse and keeps their best interest at heart. I spoke to the Fair Grounds office and they gave me his address to write him there, so I'll be doing that.

I could have sworn I read somewhere that Grasshopper was injured but I can't remember where... Do you think they would have even tried breeding him if they were still intending on racing him?

Thank you again for the info, I enjoy reading your posts!

TE

I agree, it was a much better race than his first try....but he hasn't run a good race since 2008 in August finishing 2nd in the GRIII Iselin at Monmouth. If he was OK to breed I would think they would have retired him after his 09 season. He's had a lot of time off between each passing year, so I'm sure they've been dealing with whatever this is a long time.
I've been watching this horse since his first race when he broke bad and finished 2nd. That's when I knew he was going to be an above average horse. One of the best races he ran was in The Traver's at Saratoga, I'll post that one for you. Let's hope he will be able to win a race this year. TJ
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVWVHFasxhc

[erhrdt3]

Dear TJ,

Oh my, that race that you posted still makes me want to scream. Grasshopper tried so hard, you could see how his ears were pinned all the way back and then to lose by a nose or whatever... I wonder if that did something to his psyche?

On the lighter side, LOL, I have a really horney mare in Lexington that told me she wants to see if she can help Grasshopper at all with, you know, any possible daddy issues...she said she'd love to meet him soon. My friend already checked their pedigrees together and they are an A+ or ++ I think she said. That would be the only way I'd breed my mare again, is if good ole Grasshopper could, you know, get it up!! LOL

Thanks again TJ, sure appreciate all your info. Keep it coming!