The Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society (OSAS) continues its "30 Years, 30 Stories" anniversary celebration campaign with its next profile on True Story.
Hundreds of horses have been adopted through the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society since its creation 30 years ago, but none with the same achievements as the recently departed True Story.
That son of Kentucky Spur was a rare Standardbred who was talented on both gaits, pacing and trotting, and he became the world’s fastest double-gaited performer when he won on the trot in 1:54 over Woodbine Racetrack’s seven-eighths mile track as a six-year-old. His pacing record came two years earlier when he toured Balmoral Park in 1:55.
To look at his pedigree, he is pacing bred with his father a star pacer who earned $1.3 million close to four decades ago. His dam, C Nanette, took a mark of 1:55.3f on the pace and earned just over $30,000. She had six foals and True Story was the only one who trotted as well as paced.
Bred by Kevin Sizer, who also campaigned C Nanette, True Story was an iron horse, racing from ages two through 12 with 254 lifetime starts (239 trotting, 15 pacing) and just under a half-million dollars in earnings. The consistent campaigner was claimed five times in total and switched stables several times throughout his career.
In May of 2007, he entered the Paul Megens barn and there he remained until his well-deserved retirement two years later.
“My husband, Paul Megens, claimed him in May 2007, and we retired him in May 2009, placing him with the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society," explained Stacey Newman. "After all he had achieved, he truly deserved a wonderful retirement.
“He was such a classy old man. We had him for wins 45 to 51, and throughout those years, he was always happy and loved his job. He was an absolute pleasure to have in our barn and was very special to us.”
True Story would go on to also be very special to Graeme McIntosh of Newcastle, Ont., who became his next, and final, owner. McIntosh was looking for a riding horse and had test ridden four horses before he rode True Story, and they formed an instant bond.
“I really didn’t know what I was looking for as a new rider, but there was never a real connection with any of them. Then, I rode 'Q,'" said McIntosh, referring to True Story by his nickname. "The connection was instantaneous. Our personalities bonded and the rest was history."
McIntosh took six riding lessons prior to adopting True Story. At the sixth lesson, McIntosh's mount took off over a jump causing him to fall off and break a rib. True Story, on the other hand, protected his owner at all times.
Their connection would last for many more years and several hardships.
“He actually took care of me during a ride. I had strokes in 2014 and 2019. When I got on him afterwards, he would subtlety move his feet out to ensure I was centred and balanced. Never once did I fall off him in 15 years,” praised McIntosh.
In retirement, True Story was known as a riding horse but McIntosh made sure the other riders were aware of his previous career.
“His track stories and 'fame' were a bonus and bragging rights at farms,” said McIntosh, who kept him at various farms in the York region.
True Story was always in an indoor stall and pampered when he and McIntosh weren’t out on a ride.
“Our normal rides were anywhere between three to four hours through the Eldred King and Durham Region forests. I did ride him; a lot!”
When asked to describe Q’s temperament, McIntosh is effusive: “He was a super cool and chill horse. Being a Standardbred, he was bomb proof. Nothing spooked him. Although, he was not a fan of water.
“When riding he was an overachiever. A small stick or log on a trail was always four feet high! And he loved children. On rides, when children approached, he would lower his head for them to touch his nose. Never once did he try to nip or be aggressive.”
It was True Story’s incredible temperament which led in part to his nickname.
“Originally, I was going to name him Quasar. I really have no idea why. That name got shortened, thankfully, to just Q. However, he was a favourite at every barn and all the barn staff loved him. So, Q turned into Cupid,” explained McIntosh.
It's readily apparent that McIntosh provided True Story with an incredible life following his retirement. It is also quite apparent that the horse responded in kind. True Story’s former owners were thrilled they found each other.
“We were so happy when Graeme McIntosh adopted him. He gave him an amazing home and kept in touch with us throughout the rest of his life, which meant so much to us,” noted Newman. “We will forever be grateful to Graeme for giving him such a wonderful retirement and for loving him as much as we did. He will always hold a special place in our hearts.”
True Story passed away in late August of this year and is now interred at Picadilly Acres Farm in Bowmanville, Ont. McIntosh wrote a moving memorial to his cherished horse on Facebook. One of the many comments was from Garry Merner Jr., who wrote: “I had the pleasure of driving him several times and winning with him. He was a great racehorse and a sweetheart to drive.”
It's apparent that all who encountered this incredible horse during his lifetime quickly became enamoured thanks to his talent and wonderful disposition making the tale of True Story a love story.
(OSAS)