Category Archives: Uncategorized

Justify, needless to say, has renewed my mission to champion Canadian-bred horses.  His lineage is brimming with some of the very best Thoroughbreds this country has produced.  And a lot of them: Nearctic, Northern Dancer, Flaming Page, Nijinsky, Windfields, Victoriana, … Continue reading →

No doubt about it, Justify deserves Horse of the Year, if not the century. We are all in awe of his courage, stamina and power.  Hence, at least from my perch, it comes as no surprise he boasts a long … Continue reading →

US Senator Bernie Sanders’ suggestion that we Canadians need to learn to boast a bit is not as easy as it sounds. Since winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, there have been any number of articles analyzing Justify’s bloodlines.  And … Continue reading →

The road to Justify began a long time ago, likely back to the days when, as a child, John Gunther was dispatched to live on an Alberta ranch.  There his life long fascination with horses began with a team of … Continue reading →

Justify, Kentucky Derby winner, is clearly made of the ‘right stuff.’  Not only do his mighty  ancestors include Canadian stalwarts Deputy Minister, Storm Bird, and Nijinsky – indeed Nijinsky appears 3 times – but his breeders, John and Tanya Gunther, … Continue reading →

Of the 14 of UK/Europe’s very best colts lining up in the starting stalls at the historic Newmarket course on Saturday, how many are direct descendants of Canada’s Northern Dancer?  All of them! No horse in the long and colourful … Continue reading →

On the first Saturday in May 1964 a very leg-weary Northern Dancer stood in the winners’ circle at Churchill Downs, a blanket of red roses strewn across his withers.  In that instant he became Canada’s Horse and we Canadians (uncharacteristically) … Continue reading →

“The world needs more Canada,” advised Bono in 2016.  The U2 front man was referring to our compassion.   When it comes to horses, the world of the Thoroughbred is, of course,  brimming with Canadian bloodlines. Looking at 2018 Kentucky Derby … Continue reading →

While Canadians appear to be reticent braggers… we are okay with pointing out obvious achievements.  Only not too loudly.  Hence today we look at Curlin, the outstanding champion and US Horse of the Year 2007 and 2008. That 4 of … Continue reading →

While attempting to adhere to the sage advice of US Senator Bernie Sanders that we Canadians need to shout about our achievements, bragging does not come easily.  Nonetheless, I’ve decided to give it a try. But first, let me assure … Continue reading →