Since we’ve got a 15 for 2015 on tap for the January 2015 issue of Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred – that’s enough of a tease for that, check back later this month – we are rolling out a 14 for 2014 list for This Is Horse Racing.
As in 14 for 2014, or the 14 biggest and most read stories from this website over the past year. Articles from The Saratoga Special were not included and we pared down the list a little to avoid duplication of similar major topics and storylines.
We like the list and I guess we already know that you do, too. The plan is to roll out one a day until the end of the year, so sit back, pour a little eggnog and relive the year that was.
First up is the first of many stories on classic-placed New York-bred Icabad Crane’s second career and transformation to a three-day event horse.
Titled “Icabad Crane to try evening with Dutton” and published Jan. 15, the story outlined how renowned international three-day event rider Phillip Dutton was working with the now 9-year-old New York-bred Jump Start gelding.
“In the last month, Icabad Crane learned to jump, took some early dressage lessons, even splashed through a water hazard while impressing his new trainer, an Olympian for his native Australia and the United States during a long eventing career,” Joe Clancy wrote.
“Dutton is based in Pennsylvania, but heads to Aiken, S.C. this week to get ready for the 2014 eventing season. Icabad Crane, now owned by his former trainer Graham Motion and wife Anita, will go with the stable. The Motions technically purchased Icabad Crane from Mack for $1 and control his future as an eventer. It could be bright, even though he’s a long way from the Olympics.”
Check out No. 14 on our 14 for 14 list of most popular stories.
14. Icabad Crane to try eventing with Dutton
Icabad Crane in action at Full Gallop Farm March Horse Trials
Icabad Crane wins 2010 King’s Point at Aqueduct
Follow Icabad Crane’s progress on his Facebook page.
