FISHERMEN and bloodstock agents – the inventors of the one who got away. We all have them, horses we liked, horses we tried to buy, horses who slipped through our hands.

In today’s world, email keeps them alive, proof that you did or didn’t do your job.

As Cheltenham looms, I scrolled through my emails and found names who might haunt me…

Subject: Babbling Stream

Date: Feb. 11, 2016

Mark,

Babbling Stream won his debut over hurdles this weekend for Willie Mullins. He’s a son of Authorized, who I love as a jump stallion here and there. He’s a dual-purpose horse, he could run over hurdles in Europe and in America and could run on the flat in Europe.

Matt Coleman and I love the horse. Matt saw him today, he’s a got a great head, walk, real athletic, light on his feet, looks like a proper horse.

Willie Mullins is the dominant jump trainer in Europe, he’s been leading trainer at Cheltenham. He wants to run him over hurdles and he’s keen to run him on the turf this summer. Willie is an international superstar, he’s won races in Japan, Ireland, England, Australia...

I’m not sure of your interest level, but if we wanted to step up and try to replace Valdez, he’s the first horse I’ve seen for a while who I think can be that kind of horse.

We could think about going to Cheltenham in March, or we could point him to Aintree in April, perhaps, on Grand National day. He’s a perfect type for Far Hills in the future.

I think I could find some partners if we wanted them. Obviously, we need to act fast; if you bought him now, I could try to find partners later.

Let me know what you think.

Sean

Subject: Lil Rockerfeller

Date: September 3, 2014

Jack,

I like this horse. Sells at Doncaster tomorrow. By Hard Spun, bred by Mrs Moran, PA-bred. Won twice on flat, going a mile and a quarter and a mile and a half. He’s only run five times, won his last two, owned by a big syndicate that culls horses before yearling sales. Let me know asap.

Photos attached. I’ll send video.

Matt Coleman is there, I trust his judgment.

I’d say in the $50,000-$60,000 range.

Sean

Subject: Yanworth

Date: May 13, 2014

Matt,

Ask Kingy about Yanworth, just won a bumper.

Sean

Subject: Seeyouatmidnight

Date: Feb. 6, 2014

Matt,

I like him. Tough, stays, quickened up last race, I think I read he’s thinking Aintree...? Maybe.

Sean

There are others in there as well. Some weren’t for sale, some we were outgunned on, some of the emails were simply ignored and some we threw back when we should have reeled harder. Sure, we’ve dodged some bullets, too, but I can’t remember those. I’ll watch Cheltenham with one eye open and one eye closed.

I’m not alone, everybody has those horses. I guess that’s what keeps us coming back for more.

And it all comes back to the same question. Do you want the ones who got away to win? If they win, you’re right. And wrong.