April 20 - Blind Luck

She has a cute name when you realize that she is by Pollard's Vision. He is a stallion that was blind in one eye just like the jockey who was famous as Seabiscuit's jockey, Red Pollard.

She raced for Dr. DeDomenico who runs the Pegasus Center in Monroe, Washington. Dr. D was a pioneer in heart surgery and now owns dozens of health care centers in the northwest.

The most fun ever at an Eclipse Award was the year when Blind Luck was taking home an Eclipse Award. Dr. D flew in about 25 of his fitness managers, who were all aerobics instructors, I think. It was like have an entire squad of cheerleaders screaming like crazy every time Blind Luck's name was even mentioned and tore the roof of the Fountainblue in Miami when she was named the winner of the 3-year-old filly division.

Oh, but the party was just getting started; the Fountainblue features a disco in the hotel and Team Blind Luck took over the club!

The painting was an interesting process - the image you see does not exist anymore. This is the way I painted it originally and Dr. D's staff loved it. But Dr. D wanted to look younger. Hey, I learned a long time ago, the person who writes the check is THE BOSS.  "Yes, sir, what did you have in mind?" I was sent more photos of the good doctor and he had less gray hair. He still wanted to go farther back in the time machine so, I did my magic and more magic and after finally coming up with a dark haired, wrinkle free youngster, the painting was shipped to welcome guests coming into the Pegasus Center.

You've heard me say it before, I don't always agree with the client's vision, but I'm always surprised at the end - they are always right! Anybody remember the old black and white Western TV show Paladin? To paraphrase his catch line: Have brush - will travel.

Update - jockey Joel Rosario was elected to the racing Hall of Fame today (April 23, 2024)