NEWS
Rescued Letdetrumpetblare finishes third at Arlington
Posted: Wednesday, June 02, 2010 5:24 PM
by Frank Angst
After Thursday’s second race at Arlington Park, Letdetrumpetblare is still a maiden but earning a check for the second time in his career marked another small victory for a Thoroughbred nearly sent to slaughter.
In his seasonal debut and first start on Polytrack, Letdetrumpetblare pressed the pace throughout and finished third, earning $1,155 for his efforts.
While Letdetrumpetblare was bred to win races, he initially was not given the chance. Sold at a Fairmount Park paddock sale as a yearling, no horsemen was willing to bid. He only drew interest for his flesh, purchased as eventual meat for $200.
That fate only changed when Margo Sutter intervened. She purchased the yearling for $1,000, willingly overpaying. She optimistically named him Letdetrumpetblare, in hopes that he would one day hear the bugler’s call to post.
The 2.10-to-1 odds Letdetrumpetblare faced in the second race on Thursday are much shorter than the odds he faced for survival in 2007. Although legislators had halted horse slaughter in the U.S. by ending inspection funding, livestock buyers still had options outside the country.
Letdetrumpetblare had what Sutter called “nagging physical issues,” but she helped get him back into race shape and turned the Denouncer gelding over to trainer Michele Boyce. He debuted on September 24 at Arlington Park and finished fourth with his $1,740 in earnings going to Sutter’s Mid America Horse Rescue.
“We ran him last year a couple of times, he was very green, but he has developed, and we think he could be a useful little horse. It’s quite a story,” Boyce said. “He’s done a remarkable job now that he’s been given the opportunity.”
Boyce met Sutter about five years ago and was impressed with her enthusiasm and love of horses. Letdetrumpetblare started twice more at Hawthorne Race Course last year before he returned to the farm for some rest.
“It’s nice to be able to work with a horse, give them time to develop, and see what they’re made of,” Boyce said of the four-year-old.
“With his first check he earned about $2,000 in hay and then he came home and ate it,” said Sutter, who noted that the gelding has mastered eating as he learns racing. “He runs like a drunken man because he didn’t start until three and now he’s four, but he is the coolest horse with the coolest personality.”
More on Letdetrumpetblare’s life will be profiled in a story in an upcoming Thoroughbred Times magazine story.
For more on Mid America Horse Rescue, including many fun and creative ways to volunteer or donate money, click here.
Frank Angst is a Thoroughbred Time senior staff writer
READER COMMENTS
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Posted by: Lily, Joshua Tree, CA on July 01, 2010 at 04:58 PM
After hearing enraging, depressing stories like the sad tale of the killing of Wake at Noon, it's so heartening to read about these wonderful people, and this horse. Go Letdetrumpetblare!!!
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Posted by: Margo Sutter, Fults , IL on June 09, 2010 at 08:34 AM
I want to thank everyone for their kind words and support! I am grateful to our trainer, Michele Boyce, for giving her kind heart and talent to this incredible horse to see what he could do. James Graham, our jockey, is one of the best and looks at each race as "Buck" learning. Our racing industry is full of incredible, kind hearted folks whose passion for racing is an inspiration to me. Responsible breeding and ownership are key to the success of our horses and their sport. They continuously give to us through their lives and it is our responsibility to make sure they have every opportunity for a second chance. Finding "Buck" aka Letdetrumpetblare, aka Cletus (thanks James)was a life altering moment for me. I hope you may all visit him at some time and look into his big brown eyes. He runs for his brothers and sisters whose careers are complete and he runs to remind all of us about courage, respect and second chances. I am grateful to everyone and thank you for your support. Please know our home, Mid America Horse Rescue, is yours as well. Come watch us grow and develop the second acts for these incredible ex-athletes which will include therapy programs for physically and mentally challenged children and adults. Kindest regards, Margo Sutter (aka Buck's Mom)aka President, Mid America Horse Rescue www.midamericahorserescue.org mahrnfp@yahoo.com
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Posted by: Lesalene, Brookville, IN on June 08, 2010 at 09:03 PM
If every horse was this lucky!!!!!!!
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Posted by: Lois Sayre, Ripley, WV on June 05, 2010 at 02:56 AM
FANTASTIC!!! I've heard rescue stories where TBs have found new homes and a new job, but never one where the horse went on to race. I hope he continues to bring in the bucks for his fellow TBs and brings attention to this great cause.
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Posted by: Pattie, Milan , IL on June 05, 2010 at 01:13 AM
What a wonderful story!I am so proud of what Margo has done for this horse!Also for the other horses in her care that now have a very happy life after there race days were over.Keep up all your hard work!
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