Classalwayshows

From AlexBrownRacing

A foal, born on April 12 in the year 2000, was then subsequently sold with probable expectations of greatness. And with ancestors like War Admiral, Northern Dancer and the top producing stud, Mr. Prospector, just to name a few, his early life was probably one that was befitting of a Prince. I think it's safe to assume that his handlers were hoping that he would be a "contender". From my limited research, I believe that this colt, Classalwayshows, who also had a "Breeder's Cup" nomination, was more than likely given impeccable care in his younger years. However, at some point, his racing career was mis-managed and as a result, when he failed to produce what was expected, he was sold or claimed. This change in ownership was the beginning of further mis-management as his owners, in succession, failed to see what type of "runner" they really had but yet he still continued to race and with a win, places and shows he prevailed, only to eventually find himself being campaigned way beyond what would be considered reasonable for any horse. Sadly, he never lost those kind, soulful eyes or that calm and affectionate manner. Like so many Thoroughbreds, he gave his heart and soul and what did he get for giving so much of himself, his final days on the track were spent being hungry and then running at a bottom-of-the-barrel fairground race track.

Had it not been for the wonderful folks at Canter USA - New England, he would have most assuredly met his fate at auction. In the Fall of 2005, Canter - New England planned a massive adoption day at the Northampton Fairground and when a kind volunteer saw the way this boy allowed a little child to pet him by lowering that handsome head, he was immediately purchased and off he went to begin a new life in beautiful Vermont!

The next photo shows the level of neglect that this guy suffered, his first days at his new home, skin and bones and unsure what being in a pasture was all about.

Fortunately, under the watchful and loving hand of the Canter Volunteer, the person that chose to bring this guy home from the fairground race track, he began to blossom. And what you see next is the outcome of several months of allowing this boy to be a horse, to be loved and cared for, to be doted on and most importantly, to never again be pushed beyond his limits or know what it's like to ever again be hungry.

Soon, this boy was ready to go to his forever home and as timing would have it, I had recently decided to return to horse ownership after a 17 1/2 year break. It was during that time period wherein I began to volunteer for Canter - New England and being that I would be a re-rider in her late 40's, I didn't want to start a TB right off the track as I had done way back in my younger years. The President of Canter got wind that I was looking for an OTTB but one that had his share of "let down" time and some re-training and she was certain that I would be a match for Classalwayshows. She then insisted that I take a look at his photos. The true meaning of serendipity, a desirable discovery quite by accident, can only slightly describe what I felt when I saw this boy and noticed those ever-so-kind eyes. I quickly visited him and as the cliche' goes, it was truly "love at first sight". He was to be mine and within a short period of time, in early Fall of 2006, he came to me in Massachusetts, to begin to live as a "King" I had found my equine partner, I knew it immediately and from that day forward this boy, quickly named Valentino or Valie for short, has never once disappointed me. He is gentle, kind and patient, he is full of life but is careful with me and almost seems to know that I have a disabled hand, several accidents has left me with little-to-no strength in my left hand, my mounting hand, and as many times as I struggle to mount, he patiently waits until I am settled into the saddle and ready to move on and almost as if he knows that this re-rider needed a horse that she could trust, his rendition of a "spook" is turning toward the offending noise or startling object, checking it out and then quietly going back to the business at hand. Am I lucky, "You bet I am", does Class Always Show, "You bet it does", will this boy with me for the rest of his life, "You bet he will". ....he follows me like a puppy dog and I oblige him in kind, he is my one true equine love and I will go to the ends of the earth to make certain that he always and forever has the best life I can give him.