I also know " Extra Special" when I see it.
Since the inception of this Blog, I have been wanting to shine a light on a Bluffs Run Iowa Bred Superstar, NMS Sweet Thing and his retirement. Because I was unsure as to whether he was actually "retired" or not, I hesitated to work up the post. Trainers tend to be a superstitious lot, whether they will admit it or not, and not only do I recognize this, I understand and respect it. I didn't want to put together a post honoring this incredible athlete, NMS Sweet Thing, until I was sure he was retired. It is now my understanding, that at the age of 4 years and 7 months old, NMS Sweet Thing has done just that, RETIRED.
That he closed out his career in such "Sweet Style" is of no surprise!
On behalf of his many fan's and admirer's, I want to post Honors to this very special Greyhound, and let everyone involved with him know that he will be missed. NMS Sweet Thing is a beautiful and talented Greyhound, and one who surely leaves his legacy, not only at Bluffs Run, but also in what hopefully will be a very successful breeding career! It was a privilege to have raced in his company. If I'm reading the name on his collar correctly, his nickname was Hammer. I cannot think of a better name for such a force!
NMS SWEET THING
Click on the "continue" button to replay
2008 All American, Winner 2008 Bluffs Run Championship and 2010 Bluffs Run Open. 2nd 2008 & 2010 Bluffs Run Iowa Breeders Classic. 2008 Bluffs Run All-Star Feature & 2009 Horseshoe Challenge finalist. 2008 Bluffs Run track champ, 33 wins.2008 AGTOA All American Team Member
2009 Horseshoe Challenge Post Position 5
Bluffs Run Open 2010
NMS Sweet Thing is a fawn male, weighing in at 71 lbs, owned by Nicholas Meyer or Robert Hume, and was born on April 15th, 2006. (Noticing Sweet Things birth date - tax day. How such a generally lousy day (tax day), can end up turning into a day that changes lives, is pretty ironic!
By competing in the 2010 Iowa Bred Classic, NMS Sweet Thing was chasing the all-time earnings record of $679,000. NMS Sweet Thing was over the $400,000 mark prior to this event, where he finished 2nd to RJ's Al. The second place finish pushes NMS Sweet Thing career earning to around $550,000, according to Steve Sigafoose.
NMS Sweet Thing -Racing Lines on Greyhound Data - Solid Grade A/Stakes! Lines showing - 89 total -
While I'm sure NMS Sweet Thing's trainer, Randy Montgomery can probably point out a better race, this one stands out, at least in this fan's mind, as showing what NMS Sweet Thing was all about ..... incredible racing sense, determination, desire, and as is so very evident .... a huge heart!
Bluffs Run July 3rd Open Stakes Final 15th Race -
Here's the field (note the Chart writer doesn't even have Sweet Thing hitting the board)
And here's the race!
He was an amazing GREYHOUND to say the least. Out of an amazing litter.
ReplyDeleteHe could go to the front or he could come from behind. Just depended on how he felt on that day.
To end your 3 year career running 2nd in The $500,000 IBC (richest stakes race run in 2010) is unbelievable.
Congratulations! to all involed.