Farrier To The Stars
Clint Galbraith drove Niatross. Harry Poulton trained Matts Scooter. Paul MacDonell drove Somebeachsomewhere. Hanover Shoe Farms bred Bulldog Hanover. This is all pretty much common knowledge. Who was the farrier of each however? Many people think that caretakers are underappreciated -- how about blacksmiths?
Every racehorse needs one, but most fly below the radar and can’t be named by the average spectator. Felix Marion shod seven of the 12 Breeders Crown winners in 2019 but you’ve probably never heard his name. By the way, Felix shod Bulldog Hanover his entire career as well.
To read the full story featured in the January 2023 issue of TROT Magazine, click one of the following links:
Two strangers meet
Two strangers meet on the night of Bulldog Hanover's retirement celebration. Just after I received a photo of Bulldog Hanover and one of his race-shoes, I was walking in the grand stand, when I had a gentleman tell me "I know who's shoe that is". I said "Who's?", and he said "Bulldog Hanover's". That gentleman turned out to be Felix Marion. At this time I never who Felix Marion was, or what his occupation was in life. After our conversation, I can tell you, we both share a huge passion for racing. What a great gentleman, he deserves more credit and to be recognized.