Back in 2002, I played hookie the first and only time in my life. At the time I was working a dream job for a horse crazy kid - showing off in costume at the Kentucky Horse Park. Why in the world would I call in sick to a job where I got to dress as an Arabian princess you ask (well, for starters, that Arabian I was sitting on was a shithead, but that’s another story)? 

Because it was Belmont week. 

War Emblem was training at Churchill Downs just 70 miles down the road, and a friend of mine had the inside scoop and the access to watch his final workout before chasing history. You don’t sit out that kind of opportunity, even when you’re having the time of your life at your job. 

So I drove down to Louisville at the crack of dawn, called my boss while standing by the backside rail waiting for him to appear, trying to sound sick instead of ecstatic. 

What if this was it? What if the big, black stallion walking past me was the one I’d waiting for my entire life? 

Well, history wasn’t on War Emblem’s side that Belmont. But I still remember the thrum of excitement on the backside, the feeling I had when he walked on to the track. 

I didn’t see War Emblem again until last year at Old Friends. He came a long way to be back here, and I came a long way home to see him. Despite his cranky and cantankerous reputation, he was serene and relaxed that day, content to greet his adoring public covered in mud. He even put his ears up for me. 

I’d hoped to see him again this spring. It always hurts to lose the ones you love.

RIP War Emblem 😞

WAR EMBLEM (KY)

Our Emblem - Sweetest Lady, by Lord at War