Post by Ripley on Oct 5, 2014 20:30:39 GMT -5
It isn't everyday that a winner of one race turns into a sire of multiple grade one winners. It isn't everyday a grade five racehorse becomes a foundation stud for the ages. Touch Up burst through the ceilings of "can't do this" with the help of Ripley Marsh, owner of Battle Brook Stable, now owner of Witch Creek Stable. He found a friend and found a home. Only once has the twelve year old stud been away from Ripley's care when he fell into the hands of Intrepid Racing's breeding hall during Ripley's hiatus. Returned when Intrepid Racing fell into legal trouble, the magnificent creature has yet to leave the grounds.
Interviewer: "Don't you find it remarkable that this relatively untried animal is the sire of several of your greatest winners?"
Ripley Marsh: "You wouldn't if you'd seen him during his racing days. We first found him at a create sale at the age of four. The exact same create sale we found Strike The Win. That create sale has proven to be extremely successful for me and I cannot tell you how much risk was involved in purchasing the pair, how rewarding it is to have the risk pan out into success. While Touch Up only even won one race, he was a remarkable animal to look at. Powerful, strong and fiery are words to describe. He had more muscles than you could imagine and more attitude."
IV: "But that attitude has worked to some extent, correct?"
RM: "Well, I'd say so. Every foal he's ever thrown has spirit. They fight like cats when backed into a corner and aren't afraid to start a fight. All of them are very compact creatures with more power than anything. He's proven to be a versatile animal, siring both dirt and turf horses. His most successful turf daughter was Calamity Queen who we retired this year at grade one. He's also the grandsire of The Devil's Hourglass and she's been beyond expectations in terms of turf form. She's very much like him in terms of body. Saintly Touch is the same way, powerful and compact."
IV: "You'll miss him I take it?"
RM: "Not really. I still have his personality to deal with on a daily basis. He's not the most pleasant creature to be around which is why we paired him to less fiery mares. I will miss racing his babies. There has not been a non-successful baby in the bunch and they're extremely durable. I cannot imagine a day when I don't have a Touch Up relation on the track."
IV: "That's not surprising. I have heard rumors he is a rough character."
RM: "Oh he is. The foal who is most like him is The Devil's Touch. She's a pain in the butt, but she's loyal to me. her offspring are especially beautiful and have such aspects of Touchy. She is retired herself already, but her offspring are going to be and are incredible."
IV: "We will bid him farewell and hope for many years of life beyond the breeding shed for Touch Up."
RM: "I'm sure he thanks you very much. He enjoys keeping us on our toes. We respect him immensely and are so happy with what he has given us. Many years of joy, tears and love are not repayable."
