iRacehorse Volume 1 Number 1

You probably noticed the new cover/header of our newsletter: iRacehorse. It is the first edition of a magazine for racing fans and we hope that this project will eventually grow into a multi-facetted publication. This edition is a somewhat extended 5R newsletter – we hope you enjoy it. Feedback and suggestions as always are welcome. IN THIS EDITION • In Response

• Wood Memorial Day At Aqueduct

• 5R Stables Horse News

• 5R Road to the Derby

• Style On Track

• A Horse Story

Hello from the 5R Racehorse Stables www.5Rstables.com

In Response Dear Friends - Thanks to all of you who took the time to respond to our last newsletter – we were overwhelmed by your kind support and the trust you put in us, and our trainer and caretaker team to make the right decisions for the horses. Above all, it was heartwarming for us to see that you all stand behind the full mission of 5R: To do right by the horses and to treat them with the utmost consideration of their individual abilities and needs. There were notes of disappointment about the possible end of race training for Dixie and Cappy - it is the same disappointment we feel. You all responded in kind how to deal with Cappy’s health issues, emphasized that first and foremost his quality of life was important. You all agreed to not pushing Dixie if she cannot stay sound. And you all cheered for Dremz who has reached another milestone. Thank you again – what a wonderful group of people you are! Here are some quotes from your emails: “Wanted to let you know that you have my complete support in whatever decision needs to be made regarding the babies. Considering where they came from and how far they have gotten...they are ALL winners and we are lucky! I believe that all living things have a purpose, some horses win the Kentucky Derby, some are therapeutic riding horses for the disabled or autistic, and some are just good therapists... so whether I'm smiling in the winners circle or helping a 5yr old with crippled legs ride his therapy horse, I'm smiling!!!!” Sue Martin “As for Cappy, tincture of time, my friends. Pray. Miracles happen every day right before our eyes, and most of us miss them….About Dixie: Let her grow. Let her heal. Nature will take care of the rest.” Dawn Shelton

“ Have all the faith that Dee will be able to guide us in what ever decision needs to be made when that time comes.” Gail Christie “They all look fantastic and happy, it is such a difference from the  confused poor little things that came into your barn one day. They  looked like their little spirits had shut down, it was so sad to see.  Dee is such a good horsewoman and is so knowledgeable; it is obvious as  to her love and skill, she really brought them around. I want to give  her a hug!! You have assembled a great team around these three and  there is no doubt that they are all getting the best of care and  attention.    You know, I haven't been to a race track since I was a little girl in  San Mateo CA at Bay Meadows, ohhh, I'm really showing my age now. I  was too little to do anything, but I loved the horses. I always wanted  to be with them. This is a little girl's dream come true.    Abuse and neglect may have taken a harder toll on Cappy and Dixie, but  that does not take anything away from their spirit and will. I am  looking forward to seeing both of them find themselves too.    Someday soon we will all be together cheering as Dremz crosses the finish line.” JoJo Zumwalt “It is heartwarming to see the horses prosper and they all do in their way.” Heidi Kolb “GREAT NEWSLETTER .. NOT SUCH GREAT NEWS. YOU GUYS HAVE ALREADY WON! YOU SAVED THOSE 3 GUYS AND HAVE PROVIDED THEM A LIFE THEY COULD NEVER HAVE DREAMED ABOUT. WHATEVER YOU DECIDE FROM HERE IS JUST FINE WITH ME!” Sandy Levine “I can't see any downside to Saving Miss Dixie never reaching the racetrack if she will be happier elsewhere. We always hear trainers say they are "listening to the horse." If we are listening to Dixie, she is saying, 'Thanks but no thanks' to the track. Blessings from this member in letting Dixie dictate her future.” Jennifer Cook And in the spirit of Seabiscuit’s trainer Tom Smith a quote from the formidable movie:  “Every  horse  is  good  for  something.”

Wood Memorial Day at Aqueduct Racetrack

Sam the Bugler charming the ladies Mary (artist and designer of the 5R silks) & Angelika There was quite a crowd at Aqueduct on April 9 for Wood Memorial Day, it certainly helped that half of the grandstand is closed for renovation but the excitement over Uncle Mo had certainly drawn more visitors. Could it be that we would see the next Triple Crown winner?

Uncle Mo’s connections The star of the day: Uncle Mo

The new management had brought first improvements: The nicest lady was greeting everyone coming up the escalator and throughout the clubhouse track employees were ready to help guests finding their way around.

A warm welcome to racing fans Karen & 5R member Barbara with a friendly horse

And even though Uncle Mo did not turn in quite the performance everyone expected we ha a great time. Throughout the afternoon 5R members showed up and we had a great time watching the horses, catching up on the news, and enjoying the drink of the day, the “Uncle Mo-jito” at the Man O’War room. The Aqueduct “Uncle Mo-jito” Here are the ingredients: 3-4 mint leaves 2 large tbsp of fresh blueberries Lime Juice Simple syrup Blackberry Pomegranate Vodka

Sean enjoying his Uncle Mo-jito

5R Stables Horse News We can report an encouraging turn of events: Dee slightly changed Dixie’s training regimen and we have the Rolfer work on her more frequently. Dee had noticed that Dixie’ stride evened out after a canter and starts her training session immediately with a faster workout. Dixie has improved so much that we decided to turn her over to Jazz to give her a try at the next level of training.

Dixie loves to run and to work – she won’t be forced to do anything she cannot handle. But she has stayed sound for the past couple of weeks and we feel that she should have a chance. We are very excited to share this news with you – perhaps we will see her run after all. Of course we know that things can turn worse but since we are prepared to accept either outcome we have much to look forward to!

Cappy is doing somewhat better but still is not his old self. The time at the clinic took its toll but we cannot blind ourselves from the fact that he has a very serious illness. And because of how difficult it has been to go through the trailering, the new environment, and the changes, we are less confident that he could withstand the challenges of a racetrack. The positive aspect is that Cappy is physically very coordinated and does not stumble or quaver. Dee tells us that when he is in the paddock, he appears to be comfortable and content. He still is on medication but will be gradually weaned off – Dee already stopped giving him Gastroguard, now he is only on anti-inflammatory steroids. This kind of steroid medication does not contribute to weight gain or muscle growth. Cappy is off training and as things stand he might not continue – again, thank you all for supporting us in the decision to retire him if this is the best for him to do. Dremz had her first breeze at Pimlico: 2 furlongs in 25 seconds!! Jazz called us right from the track to share the news; she was just as excited about it as we are. We are absolutely proud of her! She is continuously progressing and Jazz is satisfied with her work. And Dremz makes sure she gets her beauty rest!

Dremz enjoying the spring sun in her paddock Stable member Lou Martino took some time off from his family vacation to visit the 5R horses. Please enjoy Lou’s first-hand report of his encounter with Dee, Jazz, Dixie, Cappy and Dremz:

“Sean & Angelika, Wow! What a trip it was yesterday to see all 3 horses! I thought I was a '9' on the "excitement meter" until I actually got to see Dremz and Jazz yesterday - how personable and friendly they both were! I have to compliment you both on them - they seem to have a chemistry that says "fate" to me - I tend to be a bit superstitious, though. We failed to heed your call for peppermints, yet Dremz was quite friendly, though she seemed to hint quite often that I should have something in my palm for her. Jazz was excited with some news of her own regarding her sister Rosie, but I won't let the cat out of the

bag yet! (Well, Lou, we’ll hope we get to know the cat’s name soon!) Anyway, my excitement rose to a '10' by the time we left the farm. Darlene took many photos, so once we settle back home, I'll make sure we get them off to you. I have to say I am more than ready to make any road trip to see her first race - I can't say I'd 100% guarantee it, but pretty near close to that. Jazz seemed taken with Dremz and her potential after her first workout of 25". I couldn't believe how small she really was compared to her siblings, but as Jazz said, she'd take a small horse with the heart of a champion over a bigger horse with little drive. Wow! Thanks for this opportunity - I hope I've thanked you enough! We were very happy to see Dee, Cappy, and Dixie in Frederick earlier in the day as well.

When we arrived, Dee and her assistant were just finishing cleaning stalls for a couple other horses, and recommended we go see Cappy for a few minutes before she moved over to Dixie's stall. Dee supplied us with some mints, and Cappy acted like a kid at the candy store. He seems like quite the character, I feel bad that he has some lasting impact from his infancy at Paragallo's farm. As soon as we approached the fence, he galloped over and seemed friendly. I was hesitant to

touch his head much, but Dee said it wasn't touching or rubbing his head that was any issue, and she explained how he couldn't be led into a gate. Dee mentioned how he'd lost some weight from his recent procedure, and had gained it back, but though he's been eating well, he hasn't seemed to add any additional weight. I wish him the best, and am certainly fine if all he does is spend his life happy and roaming the pastures. As for Dixie, she seemed the quietest of the three, and Dee said she was fairly antisocial, unless you spent as much time with her as she and her assistant do. Dee was quite charming and gave us some of her history 'in the game' and we just loved the 1000 acres or so that they have there at the farm. We even got to see a few new foals!

Anyway, Dee took Dixie and her assistant took another horse, and led them to one of the fields. They exercised them for several minutes; until I heard the assistant say she'd bring her horse around Dixie's side. I didn't expect to see what I saw next, but as the horse had a full head of steam, and drew next to a softly galloping Dixie and started to pass, Dixie suddenly accelerated and charged up to and past the challenger! They galloped out for a few more seconds, then Dee brought Dixie over to us by the fence. She shared how her shoulder was still improving, but that after Dixie got it warmed up, it seemed to give her no problems, and how she also has a heart that says "Go" even if physically she's not quite where she needs to be yet.

What an experience that was, and though I'm clearly the largest horse fan in my small

happy family, I can honestly say that my wife and two sons walked away with an appreciation for these three fine horses. I will look forward to seeing them again

someday, and if I see Jazz leading 'Dremz or Dixie to a paddock somewhere, I can only imagine what that experience would be like. WOW and THANKS are about all I can say!

Lou Thank you so much, Lou, for your vivid report and the photographs – and we will remind you to share the “other’ news with us!

Style On Track Kentucky Derby Hats

Hat Designs by Brenda Lynn and Victor Osborne

We really want to know if Jill finally got her hat and outfit for her visit to the Kentucky Derby! There should be a great parade of styles at next weekend’s royal wedding for last minute inspiration. 5R Shirts and Hats

Several of you inquired about shirts and hats with the 5R logo. We got fabulous gifts from two of our stable members, Dave and Scott: 5R hats and polo shirts. Polo Shirts, white with 5R logo Short Sleeve T-Shirts with 5R logo Baseball Hats, khaki with 5R logo Pricing will depend on number ordered Jazz will order various items with the stable name “Flying Horse Farm Racing” on the front and the 5R logo on the back. All items are dark green with gold embroidery: Hoody Sweatshirts $ 40.00 Polo Shirts $ 30.00 Baseball Hats $ 20.00 Please let us know if you are interested in the caps and shirts we are wearing or any of the items that Jazz will order for us. 5R Road to the Kentucky Derby Have you all be following Jessica Tugwell’s video series “5R Road to the Kentucky Derby”? Jessica looks at potential Derby contenders by examining their pedigrees and their past performance. After Jessica’s short films even the most timid bettor could dare a $2.00 ticket!!

ll of us at 5R have one common bond: Horses. We all have at least one horse story

to tell, often from personal memories, stories from childhood to adulthood, some happy and some sad and some very tragic, and many of them have influenced and touched our lives. Here is one story that connects past and present, two countries and people whose lives are deeply intertwined with the horses and sport they love.

news item caught my attention recently when I read the name Hans Guenther Winkler, and I was transported back to my childhood several decades ago. When I was a little girl growing up in Germany two horses were my absolute idols. One of them most of you may know, Fury, the black wonder horse, whose TV show I feverishly awaited every week. And Halla, a German jumper who you might not have heard of unless you followed the equestrian competitions at the Olympic games in the Fifties and Sixties.

Halla had become Germany’s most famous equine athlete after she earned the title “Wunder Stute”, the wondrous mare, when she completed the Olympic jump course in Stockholm in 1956 with famous Hans Guenther Winkler aboard. Winkler had pulled a groin muscle in the first round of the competition and despite a heavy dose of pain medication Winkler was barely able to use his legs as aids leaving Halla to navigate the challenging 14 jump course by mere rein and voice commands. The fault-less ride earned Winkler and Halla individual gold, and the same for the German Olympic team.

During the famous ride in Stockholm In June 1956 Credit: IOC Olympic Museum Collections

alla was special to me for two reasons: Her name was similar to my last name, Hala,

and she was born in Hessia, as I am a Hessian girl. Mr. Winkler is still considered one of the best show jumpers worldwide, and though having ridden many exquisite horses during his active career he says that no horse ever has touched him as Halla did. The mare was no easy ride. "Halla was a genius but she also was a stubborn goat", Winkler opines on his favorite athletic partner. She had been a complete disappointment as trotter at the Frankfurt “Rennbahn”, the racetrack in the Hessian city. The distinguished

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equestrian Gustav Rau of the German Olympic committee recruited the mare to be an eventer but she would not have anything to do with dressage. Halla was talented enough to give her another chance and was brought to Winkler who was well known for his ability to handle difficult horses.

t proved to become a match made in equine heaven: When Winkler retired Halla After a decade of competition, the team had won three times Olympic Gold, and triumphed in 125 German and international competitions. Halla stayed with Winkler until her death at age 34 in 1979.

I had not thought of Hans Guenther Winkler and Halla for many years until I came across his name under very sad circumstances. The handsome and charismatic Winkler had been known a ladies’ man and had been married three times before one special woman got him to settle fairly late in his life: In 1994 he married Debbie Malloy, the daughter of New York Thoroughbred breeders and owners Vivien Malloy and her late husband Henry “Harry”

Malloy of Edition Farm in New York.

Debbie was an accomplished equestrian and successfully competed in every acclaimed show in Europe and the United States. On February 18, Debbie fell during a training ride with the usually quiet Westphalian mare Angelina and succumbed to her grave injuries. The sad news broke in show circuits as well as in the Thoroughbred media. FEI President HRH Princess Haya mourned the loss of her equestrian friend with the words: "Many of us get into this sport in pursuit of personal greatness and sporting ambition. The race of people like Debby who get into it, and stay with it, for the love of the horse in its absolute purist form, are rare. Rarer still are the ones who strive to conquer the philosophy of the sport and the art form. That was Debby. In her, horse sport has lost one of the greatest human beings and horsewomen it ever had.” My sympathy and prayers are with Mr. Winkler and Debbie’s family.

A memorial service was held in Waccabuc on the day of her 52nd birthday, April 2, 2011. One of Debbie’s favorite quotes from the Website of her family’s farm:

"If opportunity doesn't knock,

build a door."

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With this we come to the end of our first edition of iRACHEHORSE – we hope you enjoyed it – thank you for letting us share it with you. Yours warmly, Angelika & Sean Contributors: Angelika Hala Sean Kerr Lou Martino Jazz Napravnik © 2011 5R Media - iRacehorse