Sometimes the sons of the fathers surpass the accomplishments of the father. Such was the case with one of the greatest races horses of all time, the son of Man O' War, War Admiral, who went on to become racing's 4th triple crown winner. War Admiral almost wasn't the 4th triple crown winner. He was almost the 5th. Owner Samuel Riddle, of Glen Riddle Farms, had many prejudices about horse racing beyond the East coast in 1920. Riddle owned War Admiral's father, Man O' War. However, he chose to skip the Kentucky Derby with Man O' War in 1920 because Churchill Downs was too far west for his tastes. Had he run he most likely would have won and been racing's second triple crown winner. Fate is sometimes a funny thing. War Admiral didn't get off to a blazing start in his career but he did win 3 of his first 6 races. He also had 2 second place finishes and 2 third place finishes. He wasn't even the leading 2 year old that year. But after he won his first start at age 3, people began to take notice of this horse. That first win as a 3 year old was at the Chesapeake Stakes at Maryland's Havre de Grace race track. It was after this victory that Riddle decided to give War Admiral a shot at the Kentucky Derby. He finally got over his prejudices about racing that far west when he realized that War Admiral could very well be a contender for the triple crown. War Admiral ran a race just 4 days before the Kentucky Derby. This was an allowance race at Churchill Downs, which he easily won. This set the stage for his incredible showing at the Kentucky Derby. The field of horses at the Derby was 20. War Admiral went off as an 8 to 5 favorite. Many who watched the race say he toyed with the other horses. He never really had to put in any effort and won by a modest 1 3/4 lengths. But his race at the Preakness a week later was a much tougher test. He was given a real run for his money by the second place finisher in the Derby, Pompoon, but the result was still the same. War Admiral beat out Pompoon by a head and was only a fifth of a second away from the Preakness record. Finally, on June 5, War Admiral went for the last leg of the triple crown at the Belmont Stakes. The race did not start well for War Admiral as he stumbled at the start of it and injured his right foreleg. It was almost certain he would lose his bid. But somehow this incredible horse managed to storm past the other horses and easily won by 4 lengths. The second place finisher in the Derby and Preakness, Pompoon, was nowhere to be seen all the way back in 7th place. War Admiral finished his career with an amazing record of 21 wins in 26 races and earnings of over a quarter of a million dollars, which was a lot of money in those days.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Where to place the bird bath
When it comes to providing a place for birds in your area to splash, bathe, play, and drink, a bird bath can please both the feathered and human inhabitants of the property. Bird baths serve as a huge draw to entice birds of all types to your yard, and in turn, the birds receive a necessary place to refresh themselves on hot summer days or chilly winter nights. Before you purchase a bird bath, first consider where you will place the bird bath in your yard or garden to ensure the specific style you wish will fit the outdoor space. You have countless options when it comes to where to place a bird bath, but the most popular places include: • Decks or Porches: If you do not have a great deal of space in your yard, or do not have a yard at all, consider purchasing a bird bath that affixes to the railings on a deck of porch. In addition to having the bird bath close to reach for refilling, installing a bird bath on your deck or porch will allow you to enjoy the birds that flock to your bath up close and personal. • Up in the Trees: What better place to put a bath for your birds than up in the trees? Choose a hanging bird bath that will suspend in your trees so that your birds will not have to leave home to get a drink of water or take a bath. Consider hanging a bird bath near a window so that you can enjoy the birds while they splish and splash. However, keep in mind that bird baths will need to be cleaned and refilled, so avoid hanging a bird bath too far out of your reach so that you will not be able to properly maintain the bath. • In Your Garden: If space permits, consider creating a sanctuary for the birds in your area. Use stylish bird baths to add style and flair to your yard or garden. Since running water is popular with birds, often enticing them to visit your bird bath over a neighbor’s bird bath, use a fountain bird bath to add a special touch. In addition to enticing the birds in your area, the tranquil sound of running water will allow you to enjoy your outdoor space and relax in your garden. • Under the Trees: Since many birds seek the shelter of bird baths to escape from summer’s oppressive heat, placing a bird bath under the shade of trees in your yard will further entice birds to your area. However, keep in mind that the leaves and other debris from the trees can cause the bird bath to become dirty quicker so that it requires cleaning more frequently. Also, the blocked view from the trees may not allow you to see the birds that visit your yard and enjoy the bird bath. Generally, individuals choose to place bird baths in open places to prevent hassles associated with frequent cleanings. • Near Your Home: Watching birds frolic will allow you to relax and unwind in your own home. Place your bird bath near a window that will allow you to oversee your feathered friends. Great places to watch birds include the kitchen, living room, bed room, or home office. Imagine taking a break from work to enjoy watching the birds or watching the flock while washing dishes in your kitchen. Wherever you decide to place your bird bath in your yard or garden, remember the reason: to entice birds to your yard. Furthermore, consider the great variety of styles and sizes that will allow you to find a bath that matches your personal tastes.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Crate training your pit bull terrier puppy how big should the dog crate be
Were you aware that crate training your Pit Bull terrier is the responsible thing to do as a dog owner, and that everyone should be doing this? Properly crate training your Pit is one of the best things that you could possibly do, and I’m going to explain exactly how to do it correctly. If you’re not exactly sure what I mean by “crate training”, don’t worry. This article is going to break everything down for you in easy to understand language. When you first bring your Pit Bull terrier pup home, it is important that you show him exactly what his territory is. It is at this point in time that you’ll introduce him to his crate. Place you Pits crate in a designated room or area of the house so that he can go there to rest and relax. This is very important and should not be a high traffic area. You can purchase a crate at your local pet supply superstore or you could make one yourself if you’re so inclined. A wire crate with partitions is preferred, so that you can section it off when he’s little, then expand the partition as he grows. The crate should also have a washable tray below that slides out for easy cleaning. I would recommend a large crate for your Pit Bull, then set the partitions so that your puppy has enough room to stand up and lay down. You don’t want him to have excess room however as this will give him a place to go potty without him having to lay in it. Using partitions is more important than the size of the crate you purchase. Make sure that you use them to limit your puppies free space inside the crate and be consistent with the routine. Congratulations on being a responsible Pit Bull terrier owner!
Monday, August 29, 2016
Looking after your dog part four dog doors
A dog door is a small swinging door that, once installed in a door or wall, will allow your dog access to the outside of the house. This allows you to enjoy dinner, or your favorite movie, without being interrupted because your dog is adamant on having a stroll in the backyard. With a dog door, your dog has the freedom to move in an out of the house without someone’s aid. There are several different types of dog doors, from the basic models that make use of a mechanical flap to the deluxe ones that are radio wave operated. The most common type consists of a single flap or door with a hinge at the top. The flap swings freely when pushed and falls back into place once the dog has passed through. Dog doors also have a lock mechanism, which comes handy when you want to restrict your dog indoors or outdoors. Though quite helpful, conventional dog doors can be a nuisance at times, since stray dogs, raccoons and other small animals might enter your house. Radio wave operated deluxe dog doors can successfully counter this situation. A small battery-operated transmitter on your dog’s collar disables the lock when your dog nears the door. The dog door otherwise remains locked at all times, thereby warding off other animals. Dog doors come in a variety of sizes to accommodate different size pets. Having chosen the style, you must ensure that the dog door is large enough to allow an easy passage for your dog. Certainly, you would not want your dog to get stuck in the door while walking out. Your dog should be able to tread through with ease by just lowering its head to push the door open. Most dog doors are rather inexpensive. However, the electronic ones and those that are fitted in sliding glass doors may incur a higher cost. But cost should not be a major determining factor while choosing a dog door. A durable and automated dog door, though expensive, will eliminate the need for constant supervision of your dog.