An Old Rival Returns

I have written before about Alysheba, Bet Twice's nemesis, and winner of the 1987 Kentucky Derby and Preakness among other distinctions. Careful readers will remember that Bet Twice, our family's horse, thwarted Alysheba's Triple Crown effort by beating him in the Belmont.

Regardless of old rivalries, I am delighted to report that Alysheba, who has spent the last eight years at stud in the royal stables of His Royal Highness King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, will be spending his remaining years at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY in John Henry's former stall.

It's hard to believe that Alysheba is 24 (but he most certainly is because my daughter, who was born in 1987, is 21) and that he was still a productive stud (one can only assume he was because why else would the King have purchased him from Lane's End?) until this year. I am delighted that he will be returning home to his native "blue grass" to live out his years in dignity.

Every precaution is being taken to ensure that his trip overseas is a smooth one and his new stall will be kept warm and toasty until he acclimates to the colder climate. Bet Twice is no longer with us, having passed away some years ago after a not too productive career as a stud, so in a nice way, it is good to know that some of my memories of those "glory days" are still alive and kicking!

Here's my only beef. In the nice article from Bloodhorse.com that celebrated his pending arrival, they noted Alysheba's accomplishments as follows: "Along the way, he defeated Risen Star, Forty Niner, Bet Twice, Seeking the Gold, and another ill-fated Kentucky Derby winner, Ferdinand."

All of which is true. But Bet Twice also defeated him twice. Just giving you the complete picture!