I once messaged a horse breeder called Nellie Cox who said: ‘There’s a story behind every horse.’
This lead from a story about an ex-racehorse called Western Art.
Many years ago, my brother, a plasterer at the time, did some work for a family who looked after an ex-racehorse called Western Art. The horses was owned by a lovely lady who had re-homed Artie for his new life.
Touched by the story, I wrote a post on one of my websites. Some months later, the lady contacted me saying: ‘That’s my horse!’
Listening to the story of Artie in his new life filled my heart with joy. After being a very successful two-year-old race colt he had suffered injuries, which saw his form declined, and by the age of four he had been retired from training. This was all the more distressing because as a two-year-old he had won a Listed race as Sandown Park collecting a prize of £12,207. The lady knew little to nothing about his past. So I decided to investigate and research Artie’s story to fill in the gaps.
As with so many horses it was a remarkable story.
He was born at Rose Retreat Farm, Goochland, Virginia, USA, by a breeder named Nellie Mae Cox and sold at the Keeneland September Yearling Sales for $40,000.
He was later sold as two-year-old for £62,000.
Artie’s owner was able to contact Nellie Cox who remembered him as a foal and his pet name. It was thrilling to hear his story before the racing years.
Western Art, as he was named by his owner, Matthew Green & Ben Sangster was purchased by bloodstock agent Peter Doyle and trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam at St Gatien, All Saints Road, Newmarket.
I sent a message to Mr. Doyle asking if he had any details about this horse. I didn’t think too much more about it, half considering he wouldn’t have the time or interest in giving me the background story.
In fact, I forgot all about a reply until my mother said someone was on the phone and wanted to speak to me.
It was Peter Doyle. A softly spoken Irish man asked how he could help and looked back at the information he kept for each and every horse. It was a wonderful conversation and he asked as many questions about myself, Artie and his owner as I did of him. Later in the chat, he said he was getting ready for Royal Ascot and in July would be heading to Newmarket. He invited us to go to the races and have a chat with him.
I regret not taking up his offer because it would have added to the story which now encompassed not only Western Art ‘Artie’ but his breeder, bloodstock agent, owners and trainers.
Researching a horse was a journey which touched my heart because Artie was loved by many people in his life.
But his greatest love was a lady named Alex Smith.
As Nellie Cox said: ‘There’s a story behind every horse.’
There was never a truer word said.
God bless, Artie.
In memory of Nellie Cox who passed away on the 24th February 2015.