Hi All,
The grand old gal is gone. She passed on this morning in her pasture.
I’m crying too hard to write any more now.
If anyone is going to be at the Jockeys vs. NY State Troopers Softball Game in Saratoga tonight (Monday) at the East Side Recreation Field come find me. I’m a wreck. I could use a hug.
There was tough - and there there was Genuine Risk.
Hallie McEvoy
Racing Dreams, LLC
Further info
Winner of the 1980 Kentucky Derby
2nd 1980 Preakness
2nd 1980 Belmont
Owned by Mrs. Diana Firestone.
Was the oldest living Classic and Kentucky Derby winner.
Two foals - Genuine Reward (by Rahy) and Count Our Blessing (By Chief Honcho). Neither raced. Count Our Blessing is now a an adult amateur show horse named ‘Westley’ owned by Kim Cirillo.
What a great racehorse and she lived a long and wonderful life!
She should have won 2 of the triple crown races. Didn’t that other jockey whip her in the face?
She was better than the boys.
Sad to see the old gal pass - when the NY Times visited her last year at Newstead in Upperville she was looking quite good for her age yet somewhat forver still from her final injury that ended her career: hitting a fireplug after getting loose the backstretch.
In case it’s lost on others ‘Haligator’ wrote the book on Genuine Risk. Literally and figuratively.
May you find pleasure, reward and eternal fields of clover in your afterlife dear Genuine Risk 
From Sports Illustrated’s repeat look at her in 2006
Decades before Annika, Danica or Michelle became household names, a female competitor proved she could compete with the guys.
Twenty-six years ago this week, Genuine Risk galloped her way into history when she became the second filly – and first in 65 years – to win the Kentucky Derby. Hailed as “America’s Sweetheart,” she competed against the best males of her sport and won its most cherished prize.
She was celebrated as an equine embodiment of the Equal Rights Amendment. Newspaper headlines trumpeted a “triumph for women’s lib.” She graced SI’s cover under the headline “The Lady Is a Champ.” And Harper’s Bazaar named her one of the top female achievers of the year.
What a grand old girl.
Watching her on TV beat the boys in the Derby is my first memory of horse racing, and it made me a fan for life. And then the Preakness. I still think Codex should have been disqualified there. AND she went on to a good performance in the Belmont. Rock solid class.
Gallop free, and show those boys up there what true grit is.
Well done lass.
Forever in the best of company, in our memories and in our hearts.
Godspeed Genuine Risk, and sincerest condolences to all her knew and loved her.
I rescued a kitten a year ago and named her Genuine Risk - partly for sorta chestnut with socks, but more for her spunky and take on the world attitude. Jenny has grown into a fine barn cat - and still with a spunky and take on the world attitude.
She was a great mare.
God bless the grand old lady. She was lucky enough to have owners who gave her years of retirement when she failed as a broodmare. 
Now she’ll be running against the colts again and beating most of them. :sadsmile:
Sending sympathy your way and honoring this amazing horse.
Very Sad
Yeah, I got a call this morning, I am on my way to the farm in Upperville now. What a wonderful horse and the owners are awesome.!! RIP ole’ girl.
So Sad
My deepest condolences to all those who loved such a grand mare. Godspeed Genuine Risk.
Gallop free, beautiful Lady. :sadsmile:
From the Newstead Farm press release:
Genuine Risk died Monday morning at owner Bert and Diana Firestone’s Newstead Farm in Upperville, Virginia.
“Genuine Risk passed away peacefully early this morning shortly after being turned out in her paddock,” the release said.
“Genuine Risk was an amazing horse with tremendous heart that lived a life befitting a champion,” Bert and Diana Firestone said in a statement. “We are truly blessed that she was a part of our life, and we are deeply saddened by her passing.”
what a great horse! i am so sorry for all of those who knew and loved her.
My thoughts and prayers along with HUGE HUGZ!! She was an amazing athlete. She will not be forgotten- what an amazing life and career she had.
[QUOTE=haligator;3452982]
Hi All,
The grand old gal is gone. She passed on this morning in her pasture.
I’m crying too hard to write any more now.
If anyone is going to be at the Jockeys vs. NY State Troopers Softball Game in Saratoga tonight (Monday) at the East Side Recreation Field come find me. I’m a wreck. I could use a hug.
There was tough - and there there was Genuine Risk.
Hallie McEvoy
Racing Dreams, LLC[/QUOTE]
I would hug you if I were there. You helped make me “famous” in your book credits. :yes:
I’m saddened by Ginny’s passing, too, but she had a marvelous life. I’m glad she checked out on her own and didn’t need any help from the vet. She was Upperville/Middleburg’s biggest celebrity as far as I’m concerned! Maybe we’ll see her again someday . . .
What a truly great mare and great lady – glad she went peacefully in her home. Godspeed and farewell, beautiful lady.
PennyG
I happened to be driving my carriage through the farm this morning, and stopped to talk to the group of gentlemen gathered near the front of the house …then I saw the (still empty) grave and inquired. In my heart I already had suspected the answer when Mr. Firestone told me that it was for Genuine Risk who had died this morning. He said it so quietly and sadly, so I knew he felt her death deeply. He told me her passing was quick – she had come out of her stall into the field, taken a few bites of grass, then for some reason went back towards the barn, laid down, couldn’t get back up…and died. A gentle ending for a champion mare. I think he felt bad that I looked close to tears … he smiled gently when he told me she was 32, just so I knew she’d already lived a good long life. I told him the last time I had driven through the farm was when Bruce Smart had been there to take photos of GR for a book he was writing – and Bruce ended up taking photos of my pair as well. So, both my pair and GR ended up with photos in Bruce’s book. I remember in past years driving through the farm – not often – but each time she would always trot up to the fence and watch my pair in the carriage walk by, her ears pricked forward. I’m sure she found the sight amusing. Imagine – ponies pulling a carriage. How old fashioned and quaint! :lol:
Her grave is in an absolutely beautiful spot in a lovely stretch of lawn across the drive from the main residence, surrounded by a half circle of stunning gardens of breathtaking pink flowers. A truly beautiful site – the perfect spot for a champion mare’s final resting place.
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