Aristides(Leamington x Sarong)
1872-1893 Chestnut Thoroughbred
When I was 9 years old I read the book "Kentucky Derby Winner". It was the story of Aristides, the first winner of the famed Kentucky Derby horse race. It was the story of a courageous little horse who wasn't expected to be the racing superstar he turned out to be. While Aristides had a pedigree that read like a "whose who" of racing, he was small & unimposing & only entered in the Derby to lead the way for another to win. Aristides had the speed to pull the field along until his 1/2 brother, a bigger horse thought to be the best odds to win the first Kentucky Derby, could roll past the field to victory. As Aristides lead the field no horse made a move to overtake him. His jockey knew he wasn't supposed to win, but he also knew he was on the horse who could win. He looked at Aristides' connections as he flew down the stretch, getting a nod to go for the win. The rest is history. Aristides, a little horse with a big heart became the first winner of the biggest horse race of all, The Kentucky Derby.
I don't know how many times I read that book as a kid, knowing that someday I would have a horse named Aristides. That book & that horse gave me a love of thoroughbreds & horse racing that stays with me today. Ever since I read that book the first time I'd had a dream of going to the Kentucky Derby one day. While I still haven't gone to the Derby, in 2008 I had the good fortune to go to Louisville KY, home of the Derby. It was so breathtaking to walk through Churchill Downs racetrack, following the path of so many great horses. Standing by the rail I could almost hear their thundering hooves roll by. The names of all the Derby winners are hung for all to see on the grounds of Churchill Downs. The twin spires tower regally over the stands, overlooking the track. I passed the barn that housed Secretariat the year he won the Derby. I saw the stall that was Lil ET's. The Kentucky Derby Museum is a treasure trove of Derby memorabilia, complete with video/film footage of all the winners since film was available. I know I spent hours watching every clip. Big Brown won in 2008 & I took pictures of the statue painted in his colors. Then I took the walking tour & what a wonderful surprise when I found a gorgeous statue surrounded by roses. Imagine the flutter of my heart when I read the name on that statue--Aristides.
DreamCatchr Aristides
(DreamCatcher Alshain x DC Kobayashi Wrain)
7/8 arab/morgan cross
On Valentine's Day 2009 a gorgeous chestnut filly was born to one of my favorite mares. Soon after her birth I was scheduled to be back in Louisville & I had plans to tour Churchill Downs again. I knew before my filly was born that I'd found my Aristides. She was a beautiful chestnut with a star & 3 white socks. I said her name as she struggled to stand for the first time. She paused & listened as if she knew I was calling her name. Aristides & I have a special bond. Anytime she saw me or I called to her, she would coming running across the pasture. She would whinny, flip her tail over her back & prance up to me. Laying her head on my shoulder she blew warm air on neck. She would come through the hotwire fence to get to me.
Then one day things changed. She decided I was the enemy after receiving her vaccinations. It was weeks before I could touch her, & then only if I had nothing in my hands. It was months before she decided that I was friend & she started laying her head on my shoulder once again. But sadly she never ran across the pasture to greet me again. In those trying months she bonded with the other fillies & decided that I was just a human, not her special person. I hate to admit that it broke my heart. Not long ago my Aristides went to live with a very good friend. I'm excited for her because one day she'll not only grace the showring, but she's destined to go down the endurance trail in style. My friend will do right by her & bring out all her potential. It was bittersweet when my friend told me how Aristides run across the pasture to greet her, whinnying as she comes. She leaves the other horses behind to spend time with her special person.
I will always love both my Aristides. One a legend from the past, the other one that I'll get to watch grow & excel, & know that I was her first special person.
