By Stephen Alicknovic
Real Quiet passed away yesterday after a freak paddock accident. He was 15-years-old. The news touched a spot with me. Real Quiet played an instrumental roll in becoming the racing fan I am today. He started it all with his Kentucky Derby win.
This is how it started back in May of 1998. I was listening to WFAN the day before the Kentucky Derby and a caller dialed in to talk about the Kentucky Derby. He made a quick comparison between the 1997 winner Silver Charm and Real Quiet, stating that Silver Charm ran 2nd in the Santa Anita Derby, his final prep race before the Kentucky Derby. Real Quiet had also finished 2nd in the 1998 Santa Anita Derby, his final prep before The Kentucky Derby. Needless to say, the caller felt Real Quiet had a good chance to win The Kentucky Derby.
I was not a well-versed handicapper at that point. I was then only somewhat familiar with the Kentucky Derby, (after watching it for many years on ABC). The logic behind the caller’s selection of Real Quiet sounded good enough for me. I decided to make a bet on Real Quiet.
The next day I headed to The Meadowlands and placed my first wager ever on the Kentucky Derby, $10 on Real Quiet, not really knowing what to expect after seeing so many horses go into the gate. I also knew at that point the favorite to win the race was Indian Charlie, who I anticipated being in the lead at some point in the race.
As I watched the race intently Real Quiet had struck the lead turning for home. I could not believe it. I looked at the number and then my ticket to confirm that was in fact Real Quiet—it was! He stormed home the winner, holding off his arch rival Victory Gallop. I was thrilled. I had the winner. Real Quiet had won the Kentucky Derby! And that was pretty much it. Real Quiet got me in the sport no doubt. That one moment, that one thrilling, amazing win was surreal. My first bet ever in The Kentucky Derby was a winner.
Real Quiet became my horse. I watched him win The Preakness after that. And who can forget one of the most thrilling, unbelievable finish’s in the history of Belmont Stakes? Real Quiet and Victory Gallop hit the wire together. Wow! That was a dramatic end to the Triple Crown. Victory Gallop had gotten his nose to the wire first, denying Real Quiet the Triple Crown. I was a bit dissapointed with the result, but there was little doubt after that amazing 1998 Triple Crown series, Real Quiet had hooked me. I was a racing fan.
Real Quiet may be gone, but will forever hold a special place in my heart. A picture of him hangs on my wall. I took it down yesterday and took a close look at him. It was Real Quiet alright. RIP my friend.
Real Quiet Wins The 1998 Kentucky Derby
