In this past Friday’s New York Times Sports section there was a touching story about trainer/owner Tim Snyder and his horse, Lisa’s Booby Trap, stepping up in a stakes race at Saratoga after 3 wins at Finger Lakes. The story is rather amazing. Tim Snyder has been around horses almost all his life having been born in the first aid room at Scarborough Downs in Maine. Doesn’t seem to have had too much success with the horses but he did meet his wife at the track. His wife, Lisa, unfortunately died of ovarian cancer. Sometime after she died, a friend told him about a horse. A filly with a bad shoulder, blind in one eye, and a club foot. Doesn’t sound like a good tip to me. But, Tim saw some potential, I guess, and bought her for $2,000 upfront with $2,500 to be paid if she won a race. He named the horse Lisa’s Booby Trap after his wife and a favorite strip club. On her death bed, Lisa had told him she wanted to come back as a horse. Well, what do you know. After finding some special shoes, Lisa is now 4 for 4. She convincingly beat her rivals in the Loudonville at Saratoga on Friday. The crowd at Saratoga roared with delight just as they have in the past for great fillies like Rachael Alexandra. There was Tim Snyder in the winner’s circle. Don’t tell anyone, but I had a tear or two well up in my eyes as I watched the race on a video screen.
On Saturday, Zenyatta, the much heralded undefeated 6-year-old mare from California ran at Del Mar. It was the 18th start of her career and her 18th win. Another squeaker. She always runs from the back of the pack and just gets up to stick her neck out in front at the wire. She’s owned by Jerry and Ann Moss and trained by John Shireffs. They don’t need the money, they don’t need the fame, but they always seem very excited by their horse and the fan response to her.
What a tale of two horses. Equally inspiring. This year is probably Zenyatta’s last. Lisa’s Booby Trap is only 3. Who knows how many more wins she has in her. Tim says he’s been offered $500,000 for her. She’s not for sale. Win or lose she will always have a home with him.
Tags: lisa's booby trap, saratoga, zenyatta
