Thanks, Mom

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God could not be everywhere--therefore, he made mothers.
--Anonymous Jewish Proverb

By Richard Zwirn -- Soon, we will celebrate Mother's Day. Of course, I will send my mom a card, my mother-in-law some chocolates, and my wife will undoubtedly receive all sorts of handcrafted gifts from our children. The mothers in our broodmare band will also be recognized.

It is true that I have become a bit more anthropomorphic after years of living with horses. I have witnessed first-hand the pride our mares feel when they show off their sleek, leggy, glorious newborns. So too am I convinced of their overwhelming sense of distress when weaning occurs in the fall.

Just like their human counterparts, equine mothers are seemingly under-appreciated for the most part, and at times must feel as though motherhood isn't all that it's cracked up to be. They exist barefoot and pregnant virtually all year, every year--in snow and mud no less. They get poked, prodded, and palpated in all sorts of places while often enduring hormonal injections and vaccinations on a regular basis. Additionally, these gals are often exhausted by their offspring's demanding appetites and mischievous antics (sound familiar?). The fatigue and stress factors are very real--and they can't even "order out" or get a babysitter!

Unlike her reproductive partner, the multi-million-dollar stallion, the broodmare doesn't receive year-end accolades or the publicity/advertising. Yet it is clearly due. She is, after all, responsible for at least 50% (closer to 75% in my book) of genetic make-up, and her behavioral influence is more profound than that of the stud's "slam, bam, thank you ma'am" absentee father approach when it comes to imprinting qualities of spirit and heart.

It is ironic that the feature race in New York on Mother's Day is the Genuine Risk Handicap (gr. II). The filly for whom this race is aptly named was arguably the finest distaff performer of her time. In the money in all 15 of her starts, she won the 1980 Kentucky Derby (gr. I), and bested many top-notch colts to finish a strong second in both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes (both gr. I).

When retired, however, she was unable to produce more than just a couple of foals in more than a dozen attempts. She lends credence to the belief that the magic of parturition is not to be taken for granted, but cherished always. Let us wish competitors in this year's event and all other races for fillies and mares good luck not only on the racetrack but also during future years in the breeding sheds and birthing stalls around the country.

Our classiest mare did not "catch" two years ago. While disappointed, we understood that it was not meant to be. She needed time. She knew it. We didn't. She spent the year strolling under shade trees, gazing at the stars, and calmly grazing out in pasture. She was pampered and she took good care of herself. She got in foal immediately last year and is currently near her due date, dappled out, and craving such delectables as pie crust and stale bread. This loyal and kind beast--indeed, part of our family--is about to provide us with one of the greatest vicarious thrills one can possibly experience.

So, this Mother's Day should be a celebration of the woman who gave you life, love, plenty of second chances, and warm chocolate chip cookies. But on your way to the florist or returning from a delicious Sunday brunch with your family, you might also find the time to express gratitude and kindness to those broodmares who bring new life to your farm and our sport. They are the unheralded backbone of our industry and so very instrumental to a future racehorse's ultimate ability, attitude, and temperament, as well as to our livelihood.

Maybe a bath, massage, carrots, or some alfalfa would be a small token of appreciation for the unselfish energy, devotion, comfort, and care these mothers offer their babies. They deserve it.

Happy Mother's Day.

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