Louder-the old Warrior Wins Again

Louder won his third race at Turf Paradise yesterday--Another mile in his --last to first style. He only won 3 races at Phoenix this fall. But he won 6 at Emerald Downs so he has won 9 races for Charles-trainer and owners KJStar and Mike Pattison. Congratulations to all. They claimed him this spring. Nice claim and great runner. Go Louder-but you're pretty loud now. Will get win pics in a week or so.

October on the Farm

This is a look at fall colors, trees, and the Granite Falls Thoroughbred Farm.

From under the Maple trees in fall.

Thru the picture window in fall.

Again.

The island in fall.

A few horses relaxing in the fall sun.

Downriver from the beach.

The river thru Jack's ears in early September.

A nice fall rainbow.

Just at Sunrise at the Eagle tree.

Just before Sunrise at the Eagle tree.

This is a nice place to be!!!!

Composite Photo of the Osoria Family

THE WONDERFUL OSORIA FAMILY

This composite picture was done by putting together old photos with new one's.

The distinguished gentleman in the upper left hand corner is the patriarch of the family. His name is Afriend Osoria. He died of a medical condition in 1987. His photo was taken that year.

The young man beside Afriend is Manuel-the youngest son -photo taken in 2000 just before he came to work at Granite Falls Thoroughbred Farm when he was 18 years old. He currently is the barn foreman at Emerald Downs in summer and then he breaks yearlings at the farm in the winter. He is invaluable to our whole operation.

The man next to Manuel is Eduvides. He worked with us for about 12 years before returning to Navajas to work his farm with his family. Navajas is near Guadalajara in the State of Jalisco.

We all cried when he elected to return to spend the rest of his life in Navajas-but -we were all really happy that he was able to do so. We will always remember Eduvides very fondly. Pretty soon, Anne and Dean will be moving to Jalisco---Our house is almost done. So, we will be spending some time with "Vehis".

The third part of the photo was done in June-2009 with Eduvides, Maria, Carmen-Mother, Carmen, and Lupe. Carmen-the Matriarch of the family and it's mainstay is sitting with Maria on her left-Carmen to her right and Lupe to the far left. Truly a wonderful family.

We feel very fortunate to have associated with this family for all these years. May we get many more.

Louder continues his wonderful record

Louder jumped up last week and won by 4 lenghts at Turf Paradise. At Emerald Downs this year, he was one of the top winners of the year, winning lots of races. He sure is a lot of fun for Mike and KJ Star stable. He is always "right there"-no matter if for $3,000 or $7,500 claim. Really keeps owners on their feet.

Today, Bound to Be MVP is in an interesting race. Eligible to run in the 1000 yard race are paints, appys, tbs, and quarter horses. This is much easier-class wise- than the tougher fields that he has been facing-But it's still a horserace. Hope he breaks well out of the one hole.

Good News--Salmon Coming

The last 10 days has seen a huge salmon spawning in the river. This looks like (to me) the largest in many years. You can see dozens at a time some days. A beautiful sight.

Weather has been rainey and mild. Some sun shine between showers. Temps in the 50s so not too cold. Good weather for riding colts.

Breaking Colts this fall

Manual is riding colts this fall again for the fourth year and is doing great. So far we have started 6 head. All are going well. Of the 6-four have shoes on all four as we ride them pretty steady. Manual really likes to start colts and is really good at it. I generally am just around for moral support.

Steve and Charlie-the owners of Liberty-a nice filly- are coming out to the farm at 11 AM to see the filly go to the hills. She is galloping well and strong and has lots of confidence. Strides out like a nice filly. She will need shoes on Tuesday.

Woody-Charles and Rich's Woodman colt is coming together quick and active. Really happy with him. He is still a stud colt--no reason to cut him yet. Real malleable.

Probably--named Irrepressible--name submitted to Jockey Club for approval-Mike's name-has been gelded and loves his training. Happy to go out each time. He belongs to Mike and me. I partnered up with Mike after he bought him in the Summer sale.

Just started -Once- by Tropic-out of Itsrivertime-Will be driven again today. He is a nice stout gelding.

The others are all ok--no problems.

Roberto has been learning on the mule-Lil Scooter- and riding some 2 year olds. His hands are getting good along with his balance. He will be ready for the next step--starting colts next year. He sure learns quick.

When you start colts, the main idea is to install confidence along with the idea that you-the rider- lead "in the dance" and together we all go forward and train together. It really helps young "learners" to go to the hills-away from "familiar areas" so the horse learns to trust what the rider "says and thinks".

Am always amazed how much better yearlings look after a few days riding when the "baby fat" is going away and muscle is appearing.

I really enjoy starting young horses. All are headed in the right direction.

Snowbound Marquita-Mike and my -two year old filly left for Turf Paradise yesterday. She is sure a big strong looking filly. She should be ready to go early next Spring at Emarald. I bet she will be quick.

Charles has a good Washington Cup day

He did not win any races in the three starts he had in the $50K stakes on Washington Cup Day--But he ran second with Edaciously in the two year old colt division---Second with Who's Your Next Ex--who did not get a breather in a mile race with splits of 22.2--44.3--109.3- finished in 136-1--he led all the way-under pressuse in the mile event and ran second. Then Glo Bou Liza--ran third in the one mile stake.

All in all, we were very proud of our horse's performance on Washington Cup Day. A good time was had by all.

Olympic Lights wins a starter allowance race

He broke slowly-rearing at the start-and still won. Troy did a great job guiding him to the win and the winners circle.
Hopefully he can run again in another starters allowance race befire meet's end on 30 Sept. 09.

Miss Fast Dancer wins the feature on Friday Night

She won "by a whisker" but "a wins a win." We claimed her for $12.5K two outs back, and won today for $12.5K. We will be shipping to Turf Paradise at the end of the Emerald meet at the end of September. Hope to get another out in her before shipping south.

Panatella wins in Dead Heat

Panatella won a race in a dead heat friday evening. She was also reclaimed by the trainer -Roy Lumb-who Charles claimed her from three races back. Charles claimed her for $3500 --won 3 races with her and lost her back to the original owner. OK for all concerned. Charles and Doris Harwood-trainer of other horse in deadheat-agreed to take the winning photo with both horses in the picture. I had never seen that before. Kinda neat.

Flash and Run Wins a Nice Maiden Race

Flash and Run- a lovely 3 year old filly belonging to Ann and "Rich" Richardson does her thing in a nice Mdn $17,500 claimer beating a real nice field.Another homebred WINNER for the Richardson's.

Olympic Lights -wire to wire- in 108 and 4/5ths

This was a nice $15,000 claimer in which "lights" ran the 2nd fastest time of the meet. We really enjoyed the win-it was Roberto's first time to go to the races.

Louder--Leading Race winner at Emerald

Louder- won a nice $7,500 claimer to become the leading race winner so far this year at Emerald Downs. He has 8 starts-4 wins-2-seconds-and one third to top all runners so far this year .

He is happily co-owned by Jerry Miller (KJSTAR stable ) and Mike Pattison. They have had lots of fun with him --and he is elgible for the up-coming starter series for starters for $3,500. They may really scopre with him later in the meet.Good luck to all.

Eddie Wins Big

Edaciously won a really nice Mdn. Allowance race beating mostly Kentucky -expensive -horses. The interesting story on this race is that the racing secretary-wrote a $20 K mdn claiming race and it got 7 head. He did not use this race--replaced it with a Mdn Allowance race instead. Several of the horses entered for the Mdn $20 K reluctantly( including Charles) reentered the Mdn Allowance race. And then he WON the damned thing. Eddie has talent. Congrats to Mike Pattison who bought him in the Summer sale. The whole team works!!!!!!

Charles is doing great-Featuring Lindsay in the saddleing paddock

All these pics were taken by our good friend Connie on a beautiful Friday evening in the paddock for the fourth race-a NW of 2 for Trip The Wire going a mile-He ran third.

Lindsay "just being" a dancer while I study the program

Lookout-the horses are coming!

I see em!

Mano e mano

Pateintly waiting--all dressed up!

He has 19 wins from 73 starts---a nice 26 percent win rate. Sorry that I have neglected the blog , but have been in Arroyo Seco and busy on the farm.

Bought Anne a new car. An Xterra Nisson. pretty red-Anne loves it.
Happy Birthday Anne.

Chas won yesterday with Who's Your Next Ex-for a conditioned $32K claimer--Won by 5 easily in 1;36 change.---Owned by our friend Kim Nobles.

Storm Leapers lovely filly- pics from Connie Hoge

Here I am--What do you think? -I am a star.

I'm off..

I can buck-just practicing>

Wait for me kid.

I'm alert and playing "heads up ball".

Think I've got an itch.

Buy, this running is really fun.

Mom says "just settle down'.

A big stretch.

Tropic Bunny and Mrs. Tiz both win Saturday

Charles had 6 horses run on Saturday. Two won, one second, one third, one fourth, one sixth. All in all a pretty nice racing day. Tropic Bunny , a homebred belonging to Walt Myers, finally got a clean trip so she could show her stuff winning by over two lengths. Mrs. Tiz, a mare owned by Mike Pattison and KJStar stable won the nineth race by a head.

The weather was wonderful. In the 70's ---bright sun-cool breeze--just a lovely day.

A good time was had by all. Louise, Vicky, Mike, Jerry, John, Mary, Francis, were all there enjoying the racing, weather, gambling.

Charles had a great weekend

He started 5 horses.

Glo Bou Liza won a really tough allowance race against all but one of the top EMD 3 year old fillies. Debby rode great. She won by 2.5 L and dominated them. Next, should be a stake on 24 May 09. Great Mother's day present for Rich and Ann.

Red Redding won a tough conditioned $25 K claimer with a stunning--come from last -(by 8 lengths) to win with Kate up. Wonderful timimg.

Palanca won -wire to wire -with a nice ride by Kate.

On friday night, E city Kitty had no shot as the horse inside her pulled up blocking her. Lookout next race.

Dru Diligence improved greatly.

Granite Falls Thoroughbred Farm in the HeraldNet

Photo Credit: Michael O'Leary / The Herald
"Emerald Downs trainer Charlie Essex takes one of the thoroughbreds from his barn out for a morning workout earlier this week."

By Rich Myhre, Herald Writer
HeraldNet, Friday, April 17, 2009

"Thoroughbred success - Granite Falls men"

"At times 'horse racing can be a harsh, punishing sport,' but mostly for Charles and Dean Essex, raising and training thoroughbreds is satisfying and joyful."

AUBURN -- There is family love, for sure, although the bond between Dean and Charles Essex exceeds even the usual affections of a father and son.

In addition, there is a shared passion for thoroughbred horses, and it has wrapped itself around both their lives and livelihoods.

Dean Essex has been a veterinarian for nearly 50 years, and with his wife Anne has owned the Granite Falls Thoroughbred Farm for 30 years. "Horses," he said, "have been a big part of my life, all my life."

Charles Essex, who graduated from Granite Falls High School in 1983, has spent his adult life working at tracks along the West Coast, and in recent years has been a successful trainer at Auburn's Emerald Downs. "I just enjoy being around horses," he said.

When the two men get together, "we do a little bit of family talk, but we always talk on and off about horses," Charles Essex said. "There's no way around it."

Dean Essex, who grew up around ranches in New Mexico and Arizona, received a doctorate in veterinary medicine from Michigan State University in 1961. He and his wife lived in Nevada for several years, where they raised Charles and a daughter Nancy.

It was in Nevada where Charles Essex was first on horseback. "I was 2 or 3," he said. "I don't remember it, but I've seen pictures."

The farm in Granite Falls, which Dean and Anne purchased in 1979, covers 90 acres -- they own 45 and lease another 45 -- and is home to around 40 horses. He also has several animals at Emerald Downs, under his son's care as they prepare for the 2009 racing season.

There is, Dean Essex said, a twofold trick to raising top thoroughbreds -- good heredity and good upbringing.

"You want to get the best blood you can," he explained. "And then you try not to let the horse have a bad experience with man or with anything. You don't want them to have fears because horses are just like people. If they get fears, then the things they're afraid of are very real to them.

"You can't take care of a horse part of the time. You have to take care of them all the time."

At some point, his horses get a chance to run and then maybe to race. The best prospects, he said, are the ones with both the talent and the desire to excel.

"Horses really have to like (racing) to be good," he said. "They're the kinds of horses that win by a nose all the time because they enjoy it. ... They have to like what they're doing, and you can't tell if they're going to like it until they get doing it."

The business of raising horses can be lucrative, but more often "it is very hard just to keep your head above water," he went on. "There's damn little science to it. You just do the best you can with what you got. And have to have a little bit of luck, no matter how good you are."

There are always deep-pocket investors prowling around, he said, "and they'll spend a ton of money for some of these horses. They might spend $100,000, and then we come along and beat them with a little home-bred. That's a lot of fun."

The most successful horse Dean Essex owned is Kisstheboysgoodby, which earned around $139,000. "But I've raised an awful lot of other horses for other people," he said.

Among them, Military Hawk, which is the second-winningest horse in Washington history with almost $686,128 in earnings. Another big winner reared on the Granite Falls farm was Cadet Stevens, which ranks 12th with earnings of $453,539.

While Dean Essex has been making his mark in Washington thoroughbred racing as a breeder and owner, his 45-year-old son has been doing the same as a trainer. A year ago Charles Essex, who now lives in Sumner, finished sixth among Emerald Downs trainers with 35 wins in 185 starts. His earnings of $309,979 ranked seventh.

With 28 horses in his stables, he is at the track most days before 5 a.m., overseeing feeding, medical treatments and hours of on-track workouts.

"I very rarely take a day off," Charles Essex said. "The only times I do is if I'm out of town, and that's usually to go see a horse somewhere."

With luck, he gets an afternoon or two off during the week, but even then he is often in the company of horses. He enjoys going trail riding in the mountains and spending time with his 3-year-old daughter. "She's already riding," he said proudly.

The best part of his job, not surprisingly, comes on race days. "It's the winning," he said. "That's the key. That's why you're here. For the Ws."

Being a trainer is not all joy, of course. Charles Essex has a staff to manage, owners to please and his own high expectations to meet.

But the most difficult thing, he said, "is when you sometimes hurt a horse." When that happens -- and it does, inevitably, because horse racing can be a harsh, punishing sport -- "it's hard to get out of bed the next morning. It's just tough to take."

Fortunately, those incidents are infrequent. On most days, he said, "I don't have any trouble waking up in the morning and I don't drag my feet going to work. I wake up and I go."

For Dean Essex, there is obvious satisfaction in his own career. Likewise, he finds considerable pleasure in the accomplishments of his son.

"It's something that everybody would like to have," he said. "The chance to see your kid follow you along and then surpass the hell out of you. And that's what Charles has done. I'd been around the racetrack all my life, but I was around cheap horses because we were poor as snakes.

"But Charles has worked with some pretty decent horses. And he's really good at what he does."

Storm Leaper's first foal by Sam's Ace

I'm so proud--struttin down the avenue at 12 days old!!!!!!!
All photos courtesy -Connie Hoge-photographer

I'm so fast!!!!-Lookit me-all 4 feet off the ground!!!!


Yes, I'm a pretty face!!!!




My conformation shot!!!-My mommy is a good mother!!!

Sam's Ace showing off after the birth of his third foal

I really like my new kids--by the way, I just bred Raizel again today to get "new name applied for " "Kiss Me Quick" a new brother -hopefully. By the way---Connie Hoge-took all pics of me.



Struttin' the pasture.


Running easy--all 4 feet off the ground. I love to run. Evidence--Santa Anita allowance wins-twice-with a fourth to arguably the best Horse of the 21st century "Barbaro" in the $1 M Florida Derby after I had a very troubled trip.

First Sam's Ace Colt foaled in Washington-thanks to Connie Hoge for all pics.

Sam's Ace first Wa. bred colt out of Dancing Target at 4 days checking out first grass. Thanks to Connie Hoge for the great pics.-Contact me to contact her about taking pics for you.




See how alert I am!




See how fast I am!



Here I am struttin' with mom.

Sam's Ace first filly out of Raizel

LOOK AT ME!-------HERE I AM!

Here I am--Photos taken 21 March 09-by Connie Hoge-our friend and wonderful photographer --Leave message here to Contact Connie. I was born friday the 13th of March and photo taken a week later.



Struttin'



I can run so fast and really "run the turn".

Do I look like my Dad or what?

Why don't you "come up and see me sometime?