Last month we asked you to share the history behind the name of a horse you own or one that you helped name. We received some heartfelt, entertaining and interesting stories behind the names of many horses.
Our winner has been chosen and has been published in the January issue of Trot Magazine.
The winning entry was submitted by Michel Blais for the naming of his horse Milliondollarcell.
In 2003 Michel’s brother Pierre was diagnosed with leukemia for which no treatment existed. “The challenge was to find that “one in a million chance” of a fully compatible donor. You will have guessed that we found him, and that it was my brother Michel. The second attempt of the bone marrow transplant was successful.” Pierre explained.
In 2008, with the arrival of a yearling on the farm, the brothers named the horse Milliondollarcell, in reference to their story. Even though the horse was eventually claimed, they both have a sentimental attachment and still enjoy watching him race. Milliondollarcell continues to race to this day with new owners and now has a lifetime bankroll of over $105,000.
Pierre remains cancer free.
Michel, Luc & Pierre Blais.
Here is a selection of our honourable mentions.
Donna Wallbanger
submitted by: Paul Van Camp
“My mother (Donna) had wanted a convertible car for years. She was not a fan of my Dad owning horses (unless they win). However not long after she got her convertible she had an accident with this car and drove through the garage and through the bathroom wall… So the next foal was called... Donna Wallbanger, She was a pretty good mare, however, her claim to fame is that she's a sister to San Pail.”
Patriot Dream
submitted by: Bill Boden
I bought the filly at the Alberta yearling sale, together with my trainer, Gerry Hudon, in 2003. Her breeding by Freedoms Pass out of Sea Blue just shouted something patriotic to me. It was an excellent opportunity to come up with a lofty sounding name, and I am a believer that great horses have great names. In the back of my mind, I knew something rang a bell so I surfed the net a bit and found the words I was looking for in the song America the Beautiful, which is itself one of the greatest anthems ever written.
Dream, of course, is what we all do in this business so that was even more perfect.
Thanks to her great name and perhaps to a lesser extent, her trainer and driver (Gerry Hudon), Patriot Dream went on to earn $492,000 and was named Horse of the Year in Alberta in 2005, and that award included both Standardbreds and Thoroughbreds!
Bonavista Bay
submitted by: Sandra Foley
The naivety of a five-year-old girl, coupled with the excitement of meeting a new neighbourhood friend may seem like an unlikely idea behind the naming of a Standardbred.
My Dad briefly introduced me to the sport of harness racing. Years later after a university degree and settling in N.B., I found my way back to the sport. I also learned about my childhood treasured friend Freddy, and how he was terminally ill. Despite living across the country our families remained in touch as we all prayed for the health of our buddy. My heart ached for Freddy, who was now frail and unable to care for himself. My tribute was apparent; Freddy’s family was from Bonavista Bay, a fishing community in Newfoundland. The sound of it had a nice ring, and he was a bay.....and so became his name. My horse had a nice career, p,1:54.3s with a bankroll of $54,588. But most importantly, he was the perfect horse. He was all manners and had a huge heart. Freddy watched from the heavens above.
Thanks to everyone who shared their stories!