Damascus is just a name on a page to many fans and for recent fans not even that. Damascus won the Preakness and the Belmont in 1967, along with the Dwyer, American Derby and romped in the Travers by 22 lengths. He won at two miles in the Jockey Gold Cup. He did all that was asked of him as a three year old and perhaps the only thing he didn't do was win the Kentucky Derby. He was third, washed out from nerves and humidity. He was handed nothing as among his competitors were legends Buckpasser and Dr. Fager. In the Woodward he won by 10 lengths over both of those horses. Damascus was easily Horse of the Year. Retired to stud Damascus sired scores of stakes winners including Desert Wine, Highland Blade, Belted Earl, Private Account (sire of the hard knocking classy mare Personal Ensign), Timeless Moment and many others. By Sword Dancer out of Kerala by My Babu Damascus carried the old lines of Blue Larkspur, Phalaris and Teddy. He was pensioned in 1989 and died at age 31 in August of 1995. He is buried at Claiborne Farm in Kentucky.
A couple of horses came to mind recently, one a son of Timeless Moment called "Timmy" around the barn. Timmy would make a real strong impersonation of an Arabian if posed the right way as a young horse. With blazing white stockings and a big blaze down the face he carried regal breeding but not the tough needed for the track. As a youngster he was prone to colic and not quite durable enough to stand training. He did sire a horse who stood in California however, one named Good Time Charlie.
The other was an older mare, Sadie, who was actually said to be a 3/4 sister to Damascus. By Sword Dancer out of Aunt Tilt, Sadie only appeared ordinary. She was class from nose to tail and one of the sweetest old mares I've ever handled. She was an older mare when aquired by a small breeder willing to take a chance on an old mare in Washington state. She was blind in her left eye, which took only a little accomodation. She was a smart old girl and learned to trust her handlers providing two things were done. One was always look out for her on that side especially at gates and doorways. The other was touch her neck or, alternately, hum or sing or just ramble on while walking with her so that she could gauge her distance and stay in the proper space to lead. Because of her age and eye she was only turned in with other quiet mares that wouldn't harass her and few at that. She was curious and observant but unlike many with vision issues wasn't spooky.
I have heard stories of how tough "Damascus horses" are to handle and many who talk of the class of Personal Ensign, long after she left the race track. The descriptions of her very much remind me of Sadie. I left the farm and the area in 1990 but she had a great home and first class care at that farm.
Keywords: Damascus, horse racing, legends, Sadie, thoroughbreds
Comments
Hey Jan, I enjoyed reading that. I'm trying to catch up because I suddenly had two weeks of family "emergencies" (I can be glib because they turned out well) and had to disappear!. When I think of Damascus I think of all the writing on the race game I've read that include a reference to "out of a Damascus mare". I'll have to check to see if he was the broodmare sire the frequency of that notation makes me assume he is. Anyhow, I want to rush on and read your post on Songandaprayer since that Derby remains my favorite of all time (I was a big Monarchos fan).
I've never been around a blind horse and it's interesting that they're not spooky. Sadie sounds like a terrific mare, and that's pretty astute to compare her to Personal Ensign in character.