As many of you know, I’m fond of making “tribute videos”about certain horses or moments in thoroughbred racing that have touched my heart in special ways. In fact, if you didn’t already know this, it was two tribute videos I made in late 2007 that prompted the launch of The Aspiring Horseplayer site.
This may sound rather funny given that it’s coming from someone known to be rather long winded with his narratives, but at first I was extremely worried that I would not be able to sufficiently convey the passion and love for horses and horse racing that burned inside my soul through written word only. Some other medium of communication was necessary. Something direct, visual, and capable of reaching even the subconscious.
The answer I settled upon was video.
Imagine my surprise then, when Monmouth Park announced via their Facebook page that they were holding an “Ultimate Rachel Alexandra Fan Contest“ to see who could come up with the best Rachel Alexandra themed video!
Instantly I snapped into motion, searching for photos and editing video clips of her greatest races. There was simply no way I could let this opportunity pass without tossing my hat into the proverbial ring! Not when there’s so much on the line, including a chance to walk Rachel onto the track for the Haskell Invitational (G1) on August 2nd!
This video is my submission to the contest. The video with the most “likes” over on the Monmouth Park Facebook page wins. If you’re familiar with Facebook functionality, you’ll instantly understand what I mean when referencing “likes.” If not, then don’t worry as I realize that not everyone who appreciates the “greatness that is Rachel” is either on Facebook or interested in supporting attempts to win a video tribute contest.
If, however, you would be so inclined as to help me win this thing, then kindly follow the URL for the Monmouth Park “fan video” section below:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/video/video.php?v=1192456775247&oid=20125508116
Without further adieu, allow me to present…
“Rachel Alexandra: What You Want”
About this video:
The video contains random photos from around the internet that I thought conveyed the qualities of Rachel I/we cherish the most. Her strength, her beauty, and her commanding presence. Having had the pleasure on two occasions now to witness her with naked eyes, suffice to say she’s one of the most lovable (and yet intimidating) presences I’ve ever encountered.
Even more magically, she’s somehow managed to accomplish what I assumed nobody on earth would ever be able to do; she’s helped fill the void in my heart ever since the retirement of Curlin.
The most challenging aspect of creating a such a video, ironically, is finding the right audio to accompany the imagery (and about the imagery: Kudos to the many photographers who have captured her in their images. Unfortunately, most of the images I found were unaccredited, so I know not whom to officially thank for them). The music must convey something of the mood you wish to portray. It’s got to contribute to the story you are trying to tell. What would you want someone who had thus far remained unaware of her existence to see/hear about Rachel? What lasting impression would you want them to walk away with?
After hours of searching my iTunes library for the proper selection, I settled upon “What You Want” by the John Butler Trio. It’s a song with a bit of an “epic” feel to it, and one that seems to suggest a reflective response. Even better, the various tempo changes and instrumental moments create the perfect backdrops over which to replay many of Rachel’s greatest triumphs.
As always, there’s a healthy amount of added subtlety that the viewer may or may not readily discern. I try to make all my videos like that. Perhaps it’s the Kubrick fan in me? The subtlety isn’t critical to understanding the central theme (Rachel’s majesty), but hopefully those little touches are appreciated by some.
Even if the video isn’t as well received as I hope, if it manages to reach just one person who otherwise would not have cared, then I’ll consider it a resounding success.
Ultimately, I’m elated this contest came around as I’d been putting off making one for her until the end of the year. If there’s anything I learned from Curlin’s 2008 campaign, it’s that we don’t usually get a happy ending, even to our most cherished stories.
So, with that in mind, this is for Rachel: A special horse who has moved me in ways I never imagined I’d be moved again. I’m not ashamed to admit that she’s the first horse to bring me to “tears of joy” since…well, you know who.
Go get ‘em Rach! Show them boys in the Haskell what you’re made of, baby girl! With any luck (and a few Facebook votes), I just might be able to send you off to post myself. Either way, I and countless others will be with you every step of the way.
‘GREAT’ racehorses carry weight successfully in races. KELSO, DR. FAGER, to name a few. Because of the ‘filly’ allowance and ‘gift’ to 3-yearolds racing against older horses – it will be interesting to see if RACHEL A. is allowed to race in ‘open’ handicap races and what weights are assigned to her or the older filly ZENYATTA???
The weight game is rather inriguing. Especially in the stretch. or wherever the “real running” starts.
Hey Kevin, I “liked” it on facebook, is that all I need to do to get you a vote?
Yes indeed – Thanks Brian. It looks like your vote counted over on the Monmouth Facebook page. Much thanks.
[...] field to the paddock at Monmouth on Sunday. It all depends on whether we can hold on and win the “Ultimate Rachel Alexandra Fan” contest that Monmouth is hosting over on [...]
[...] at Monmouth, we received the official word that our video tribute to Rachel Alexandra, “What You Want“, had prevailed in the “Ultimate Rachel Alexandra Fan Contest” on Monmouth [...]