Matz, the epitome of class
 

With the term class being thrown around on here about trainers and connections so often, I would have to say that Michael Matz pretty much outclassed everybody this weekend.
While Round Pond was winning and returning to the winners circle, his deameanor and that of his owners was stoic in deference to the situation of both Fleet Indian and Pine Island.
Now the ultimate, he says in tomorrow's DRf that Fleet Indian's resume outshines Round Pond's on the year and that Bernadini deserves the title of 3 year old champ over Barbaro.
Now thats class, pure class. This guy is like the best representative alive for our sport, above all others. What a fantastic gentleman and trainer he is.

No question about it. Our sport needs more like him.

He oughta to get a special eclipse award this year, no question. He does the business prouder than anyone. There are some folks on here talking about class being not making excuses after a race when you lose, if thats class then whats this guy? This guy is absolutely a man I will forever hold in the highest esteem possible.
He suffers through watching one of the greats breakdown and fight for his life all year, then wins a cup race and says another horse deserved it more and says Dini earned the championship. Wow, this guy is definitely all substance as compared to so many guys who are just all style and no substance.

Matz oozes with class. I've spoken to him on a number of occasions. He remains humble no matter what sort of success he's experienced. A true gentleman.

I don't think I've ever seen anyone take their opportunity in front of the press to actually campaign for two rivals.

thanks for the info,Oracle.
We need more like this guy.

Sorry to miss you Saturday, and hope you did well.

Good luck!

He started with hunters and jumpers. Enough said. :)

Jack I really wanted to meet you and many others but I'm so busy when i get down there. Where I am lucky enough to hang out all day is very far away from the main part of the facility as well.
I had an eventful trip and will be posting a "Scavs" type summation of it.
Maybe in the spring we can hook up at the Derby.
I got lucky and good the last three races of what had been a tough beat aggravating trip up until then.

Buffy the guy is pure class, and I've never met the guy so its not like hes a buddy or client I'm pumping up.
Obviously he is a true horseman and more importantly posesses class displayed by very few people.

He's a great teacher too...

I trained with him in 5 or 6 jumper clinics. He's got a way with people AND animals. :)

OK, I am jealous. Saw him ride in person once many moons ago. He has an awesome seat! (No dirty rude comments please, just saying that man was an awesome rider!)

Yeah, he really is one of the best riders I've ever seen, Buffy. I trained with Ian Millar for one winter too when they were down at our barn (they used to winter them at Grand Cypress Equestrian Center in Orlando) and IMO, Matz could put Ian to shame. Do you remember Big Ben? I got to ride him around the ring when I was a kid and from then on out, I knew that horses would always be in my life.

YOU GOT TO RIDE BIG BEN? OH MY GOD! I am really jealous!

I just walked and trotted him. No jumping or anything. I loved that horse... it broke my heart when I heard he died. :(

And someone I know had the stones to say he's [paraphrase] "not a good trainer and he was lucky to win the Derby" and "it's his fault for Barbaro's breakdown, i told you this would happen".

I personally think he's among the tops in the game and this year has obviously proved it.

Who said that? Nevermind. I am in a good mood today and want to stay that way and NOT think about kicking someone's azz. :mad:

That guy is insane. And it sure as hell wasn't me in case thats what you are implying Phil. I've always respected the guy and bet his horses. Now my respect for him is off the charts.

Of course not. The person who said this knows who he is.

Matz is very classy, but when I met him he reminded me of somebody you meet out in the Hamptons. Shug McGaughy and Barclay Tagg seem like really nice guys, especially Shug.

I've never met either Tagg or Matz, but both are classy indivuals. Shug is not only classy but a very nice guy who has always been humble even after huge successes.

He was also very classy back than, I have always been very fond of him since those Sporthorse days, a true asset to the game.

I LOVED Big Ben, I really was very sad to learn of his death, such a neat old horse!

This guy is all class and is one of the few remaining true horsemen IMO....He told me that Round Pond tied up badly before the Beldame and that was why she got beat 7 lengths....he loved the way she was training at CD with her new glue-on shoes and was ultra-confident about her chances, which I appreciated because it made me use the filly :D He also gave us the filly in the stakes a few days before too....great man

he even saves people's lives

im not trying to nit pick(is that the term?), but Im not sure our sport is lacking in this area.
I hear a lot of talk about all the bad ppl in this game, but I dont see it.
maybe if I worked in the industry I would feel different.

but any owner, trainer, or media personality(mainly at TVG) has always been more than gracious when I have contacted them by email or phone.

anyone see TO this weekend?
now thats a sport that needs more classy ppl.
I think ours is good.



Repent

I think Prado should also be mentioned in this thread if he hasn't already.

prado and matz, will always hope for the best for those two.
i always enjoyed watching matz on the show circuit, excellent rider and horseman. margie engle another i have tons of respect for.

Yep, she's another great rider.

I had a clinic with Sergio Campos a couple of months ago, and while I think he's immensely talented, he just isn't in the same ball field as those guys.

I wish I was young again... it's been tough for me to get back into "riding shape." It's hard work! :eek:

That has to be a first. It's remarkable in fact, especially with regards to Bernardini/Barbaro. Nice to have someone like that in the sport.

--Dunbar