Night Officer

[CSC]

Originally Posted by Kasept

Talking about this race on ATR later...

Of interest in here for historic reasons is Pletcher's Claiborne homebred CONGO. His family dates to E.P. Taylor, including patriarch WINDFIELDS, Taylor's first breeding shed product. Also notable on Congo's page is third dam FRANFRELUCHE, the Canadian filly that was a fine runner but especially prolific mare getting 18 foals including L'ENJOLEUR (Canadian HOY) and LA VOYAGEUSE (3X Canadian Champion). Franfreluche was also involved in an American version of the Shergar story (of sorts), having been stolen from Claiborne in 1977 and found on a family farm 5 months later. (The family had found her wandering down a road near their farm). All three were crowning achievements in the racing empire of famed Quebecois titan Jean-Louis Levesque, who died in his 80's while I was living in Montreal. He was a remarkable man on many levels, and long a role model for French-Canadian achievement.

Congo may or may not be much, but a Pletcher stat of note is that since June 24, his FTS have won 7 of 15 debuts... Pletcher also unviels ORALE VATO in this race.

I didn't know you once lived in Montreal...I have a serious weakness for Schartz's Montreal Smoked meat and their fries every 3years or so. I too remember that bizarre kidnapping of Franfreluche, when she was carrying a Secretariat foal I believe it was.