When I rode in Tevis 2 years ago..at the pre-ride meeting I remember the vet (Jamie Kerr?) specifically telling us first timers how they were gonna break down the start into three groups. The "hot shoes--like Potato" much laughter and applause..would be in front. The conservative but confident middle of the packers, in the middle. The very conservative, or slower folks in the back. We were to decide where we belonged and put ourself there. I remember at the start that Potato and his entourage came trotting through like the king of California and the riders parted like the Red Sea. It was an interesting sight. I guess it didn't work out so well this time, (I wasn't there to comment) but I understand that the starts now are much much better than they have been in the past.
On Hal Hall's photo, my guess as to why he got coverage was...Potato was already covered and Hal's photo is beautiful! There is his beautiful daughter, with the gorgeous horse, and the proud dad...come on folks... dontcha think this is good good publicity for endurance, for riders, for the Tevis. Good PR. When I did the Tevis I also got two front page articles in my local home town newpapers, even though I didn't finish. But the idea of a home town woman doing such a strange thing, made for good press. (And we got our street marking signs that the riders had been fighting for, installed immediately) That is such a nice photo of the Hall's , I bet they have it blown up and hung on the wall. Christmas cards too.
On Bogus Thunder's pedigree...I'd like to expand it to note that he has Witez II, Aladdin, and Bask on the sire side, and the dam line goes back to Al Marah breeding..to Indraff, and also to one horse with I believe 4 crosses to Astraled, and there is also Crabbet/Hanstead breeding of Indian Gold, Oran. I also noticed that there was another horse in the top ten with lines back to Astraled, and that is Gulastra's streak. (Love them Crabbets!)
Beth
