February 13th - Chasing Yesterday

I guess because I've painted a few horses, maybe I have been asked the question a little more often, you know, that question we all get asked about “who is our favorite horse or racehorse?” I often get a puzzled look when I say, Chasing Yesterday. Sure, she's a Grade 1 winner and she is a half-sister to Triple Crown winner American Pharoah, but my feelings for her are a combination of personal contact and her families - four legged and two legged.

I was very fortunate to have seen this little filly right after she was born and made regular trips several times a week to see her. She was precious, adorable, and special from day one. Jane Lyon would allow me to come over and just visit with her glorious broodmare band and their growing number of star-studded babies . . . but this little girl had a charisma that very few possess. Add to that her little swirling mark on her forehead and you could spot her across the paddock. She was adventurous and she would bolt away from mom, sprint a lap around the field, before finding her way back to check on mom. Mom is Littleprincessemma and you can credit Chasing Yesterday's beautiful chestnut coat and white face to her. Her dad is the super sire, Tapit.

It was clear that one day she would grow into the role as a member of Jane's incredible broodmare roster but she had a little business to take care of at the track. It's only appropriate that she would go on and claim the first Grade 1 victory as a homebred for Summer Wind Farm.

It's been several years since that night she was foaled at Summer Wind, but Chasing Yesterday is back home and having her own foals. Wasn't that the plan all along?

My favorite racehorse? Don't be too surprised when I answer Chasing Yesterday. It really isn't a fair contest because this little girl stole my heart long before she went to the track.