Two of harness racing's foremost commentators have offered birthday wishes to the richest pacer in history, Gallo Blue Chip, who celebrated his 12th birthday
on Tuesday, April 28, 2009.
"Gallo Blue Chip was the rare NYSS horse who took it national - eight-for-eight at two in New York," Bob Heyden of the Meadowlands commented to Trot Insider. "When he came out at three, he experienced a bit of bad luck early - getting hit in the face by the whip of Richie Silverman and Tyberwood a few times, and was last three straight races. But he showed serious ability soon after.
"Little known is that John Campbell opted off him for the NA Cup final, and Mike Lachance also declined the drive. Daniel Dube then became the regular driver. Powerful gelding, in a medicore year for three-year-olds in 2000, he set the earnings mark and STILL didn't get the respect he should have. Coming back at four - many dismissed him as some kind of fluke, but he became the ONLY $2 million single season winner to win $1 million the NEXT year."
Heyden feels Gallo's place in history should solidify him a spot in one of horse racing's most hallowed shrines.
"The good ol' boy should be at Kentucky Horse Park taking the late John Henry's place."
"The "iron horse" label is thrown around far too often in the sport, but it really did apply to Gallo Blue Chip," said Woodbine Entertainment's Ken Middleton. "He was a true warrior that managed to dance every dance throughout his career. He was like a heavyweight fighter; he could take punch after punch and keep coming back for more.
"I couldn't believe he finished his sophomore season as well as he did after the gruelling trips he turned in on Jug day. To me, that was really amazing. That and the fact that he jumped right into the Open ranks and was just as dominant the following year; he truly was a remarkable racehorse."