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Oh my! This is the greatest comeback since Lazarus!

#lol #breeder's cup #da hoss #horse racing #horse racing history

For back-to-back summers over 20 years ago now, I had a dream job: working at the Kentucky Horse Park. I worked in the Breeds Barn, where I got to saddle up for the Parade of Breeds, where I got to do everything from dressing up as a Spanish Conquistador to an Arabian Princess.

But the greatest thing I got to do for those two summers wasn’t on horseback.

At the time, the thoroughbred representative in the Breeds Barn was a nondescript bay horse by the name of Da Hoss.

Now, I’d been watching the Breeders’ Cup since 1993, and I had seen Hoss’ victories in the Mile. Upon realizing who this little horse was, I was utterly star struck. He was here. I was going to get to see him every day. This little horse, who had accomplished nothing short of miraculous on the racetrack, was under my care.

So for two summers, I made the most of it. I learned this nondescript thoroughbred had opinions, such as insisting he be brought in when it started to rain. He had a sensitive coat and got pissy while being brushed, but loved having his tail combed. He liked to dump all of his feed out of his bucket and eat it off the floor, but got annoyed if you put it on the floor instead of in his bucket.

He was kind, he was fun, and getting to hang around him was one of the most incredible things I’ve ever gotten to do.

I was thrilled to learn he later got moved up to the Hall of Champions, where he belonged, and spent his time being adored by guests. I visited him several times over the years, most recently in May 2019, where he still looked happy and content.

I learned this morning that Hoss passed away on Jan 2nd at the grand old age of 30. My heart is heavy today. He lived a wonderful life, and I was lucky enough to be part of it for a little while. Run free, old friend.

#horses #thoroughbreds #da hoss #kentucky horse park #breeders' cup

Da Hoss

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Da Hoss, Kentucky Horse Park, May 2019

Hoss will always hold a very special place in my heart. For two glorious summers in college, I worked at the Breeds Barn at the Kentucky Horse Park. But dressing up and showing off for guests was only part of what made it a dream job. The other part was Hoss.

He hasn’t always been at the Hall of Champions. There were a few years where he was the Thoroughbred representative at the Breeds Barn. Because he didn’t get ridden, he was never in the show, and was often overlooked when it came to getting some extra TLC.

Enter the star struck kid who had most definitely seen both the 1996 and 1998 Breeders’ Cup Mile, and was now tasked with making sure Hoss had his breakfast on time.

(Hoss, by the way, was very particular about his breakfast. The moment you dumped it in his feed tub, he would take it upon himself to slosh it out on the floor. I tried just putting it on the floor once, to save him the trouble, but it turns he rather enjoyed that part and I never tried it again.)

I spoiled the hell out of Hoss those two summers, and I loved every minute of it.

He didn’t love being groomed, but loved having his tail combed. If he was left outside and wanted to come in, he would let you know. For a relatively plain looking horse he was full of personality, and I loved him dearly.

I’ve checked in on him off and on over the years since then, including my most recent trip to Lexington in May. He’s an old man now, but he looks good. Relaxed, sound and happy. He’s had a good retirement. After that thrilling ‘98 Mile, he’s earned every second of it.

#horse racing #da hoss #thoroughbred #kentucky horse park

Oh my! This is the greatest comeback since Lazarus! He’s had one race in two years!

“Da Hoss in Da Mile!” The 1996 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner returns to take the 1998 running. Da Hoss was overtaken by Hawsley Hill in the stretch, but fought his way back to the lead by the finish.

#horse racing #da hoss #da hoss in da mile #i've seen da hoss seven or eight times at the horse park #he's literally why I go so much