When Two Out Of Three is Bad: Charismatic

[SWC75]

1999: Charismatic


Owner Bob Lewis, who had barely missed a Triple Crown with Silver Charm, tried again two years later with Charismatic. But instead of Bob Baffert, the trainer was his great rival D. Wayne Lucas. Chris Antley was the jockey. The horse was a 31-1 shot for the Derby but won it over Menifee by a neck. He beat Menifee by 1 ½ lengths in the Preakness, setting up a third straight Belmont with the Triple Crown on the line. It was a memorable one, with the greatest drama coming after the race.


It looked like Charismatic would become the first TC winner in 21 years but he faded badly down the stretch, finishing third. As his horse crossed the finish line, Chris Antley jumped off of and grabbed Charismatic’s left front leg, holding it in place until help could come. He was credited with saving the horse‘s life, as his leg was broken. They were able to operate and save Charismatic’s leg and life and he’s alive today, merrily making more race horses in Japan. In 17 races he was 5-2-4.




ESPN did a documentary on Charismatic and his tragic jockey, Chris Antley, who could save his horse but not himself. Here is Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH_yuKTj61Q


(Sorry for the lack of pixels. And don't worry about the tornado- You're not in Minneapolis and it's not 1999.)

 

[SUintheVille]

I had Charismatic in an exacta box that year, having attended the Derby not far from the finish line. Won good money since he won as the long shot. I didn't remember, unfortunately, until your reminder that his jockey passed away a year or so later. Sad eventual end to a good horse story.