Risen Star - 1988 Belmont Stakes (Marshall Cassidy's NYRA call)

[BettorOffSingle]

Ihad Winning Colors in this race. Risen Star was 5-1 at Garden State Park. I couldn't help but admire watching the second-fastest Belmont ever up to that point, topped only by his dad.

[daeuri]

While I like the Dave Johnson call, this video gives you a great view of how devastating Risen Star's run was during the last half mile.

[Dragontamer19]

HE SOUNDED SO EXCITED! LOL

[DJW2097]

always enjoyed Marshall Cassidy!!!

[711ATOM]

Looking at some of videos it seems Dave Johnson had collected a lot of detractors over the years. I do not get to hear Dave Johnson anymore, but when I think of Forego I hear Dave Johnson's voice, calling all the races out of NY. May be as he aged he got bored at regular races, and he always made small technical mistakes, but when a big moment calls for some drama I still want Dave Johnson. His call of this race is much better then Marshall Cassidy's.

[artsnletters77]

I bet Risen Star in the Derby that year,I think he ran third. A very good horse,enjoyed watching him again,thanks

[texjoyrn1]

I loved this horse. But Winning Colors is also one of my favorites and she was simply great. Its fitting that the one who beat her was a son of Secretariat

[mshobohorse]

To bad he didn't win the Kentucky Derby like Secretariat.

[NYCBostero]

My dad has worked for NYRA since '75. I'd be in the track EVERY summer, pretty much every single day with him inside the clubhouse. I hear this guy's voice, and I swear, I'm a kid all over again. Wow.

[all66books]

Another immensely talented three year old, who would have had a huge following, and brought many new fans into the sport, and I'm sure would have racked up many G1 wins, perhaps setting a track record or two along the way - only to be whisked away to the breeding shed.

THIS is why racing is having trouble attracting new blood to its fan base. Can you imagine what would happen to, say, major league baseball, if the Derek Jeters & Albert Pujols of the sport kept retiring before they turned 30?

[thackery12]

What are you talking about, all66books? Risen Star sustained an injury running that great race & that forced him into retirement.

[bbmtge]

Great post cf...thanks. A great stretch run at that distance for a 3 year old. Do you know what his fractions were after 3/4???Especially the last 1/2 mile. Thanks!!!

[texjoyrn1]

Well there certainly isn't any doubt who's son he is? Wow! Risen Star and Winning Colors are two of my favorites...both such great horses....God love 'em

[shorndjakdaa]

Dave Johnson sure isn't chic anderson, is he?

but then again, risen star (and I mean no disrespect) sure isn't secretariat, either

[majesticbob2007]

I lived during the daddy's years, the last turn and the streth drive brought back alot of memories. You could see daddy Secretariat also in that stretch drive. Yes Star and Dad went to Stud to early. What Secretariat could had done if raced at 4 and what would Star done as well racing more. To bad he didn't win the Derby that year. Dad and son both TC winners. The greatest father to have won the TC with the greatest son.

[haynelc]

I always loved Risen Star, and watching him win this race in a dominant manner similar to his father was an incredible moment for horse racing fans. Too bad that none of the '88 Derby field had the stones to challenge that steroid freak Winning Colors, or else Risen Star would have been a Triple Crown winner.

[RunsHorses]

I know there are a lot of Dave Johnson bashers. . .but listen to his call (ABC), and it is far superior to Marshall Cassidy's (NYRA).

[federicojoe]

Risen Star was unfortunately owned by some trashy owners who "sold out" to his stud potential instead of racing him. He was just coming into his own when they retired him. Remember...he's was so green in the Derby yet still finished 3rd in a crowded field.

[funshipM174]

I'll never forget the back page of the N.Y. Daily news the day after the race. The page read... "JUST LIKE DAD!"

[albionangel]

is it me or was that kind of a crappy call? the announcer sounded bored. anyway... great race, Risen Star.

[gocashbaby]

Crappy call? The great Marshall Cassidy? Surely you jest.

[sheezcrazy]

The only time in my life I ever bet on a horse was in the 1988 Kentucky Derby. I bet on Winning Colors and won a LOT of money. This is the first time I've seen her since then and I thank her.

[shellpen10]

CF thanks for this...he opened it up like his Dad...guess he liked the Belmont surface too...

[CaptainHowdy502]

NOLA's pride and joy!!

[AwsiDooger]

It's funny to watch this race again all these years later. At the time I wasn't thrilled. The Bally's sportsbook in Las Vegas used to put up over/unders on the winning times of the classic races. This one, they made 2:27 flat. I was the first one to run up and bet over. Many bettors followed. It went up a full second, almost unheard of, to 2:28. We thought we had a steal. Then Risen Star took our cash. I guess I can forgive him. :)

[cf1970]

Wow, you lost your money, but what a great way to lose it! Risen Star sure was an awesome horse. Take care.

[LightningJanitorial]

@AwsiDooger

Awesome story. Thanks for sharing it.

[funshipM174]

Risen Star looked just like his Old man! What a performance!

[cf1970]

Ohhh yes. Truly sensational. Take care.

[bon1042]

Any way we can get this one w/crowd sound?

[cf1970]

I agree, it would be nice, but I haven't yet found this race with crowd sound, bon. Thanks for posting. Take care.

[bon1042]

You must have been reading my mind cf1970. I just read that Risen Star won Preakness, at time, in 2nd fastest time since that flashy father of his. And then, again for the time in 1988, did the Belmont in 2:26 2/5, fastest again since his Daddy. Never knew this, isn't it wonderful! Easy Goer won next yr 1989 in 2:26 flat.

[raygordon]

Yes, Risen Star was Secretariat's greatest offspring. Secretariat has been maligned as a sire but has produce several excellent ones, including this near-champion.

[Nick2You2]

Risen Star was champion 3yo male in 1988.

[diegoms2000]

the front runner was the great Winning Collors, not bad for a filly, won the KY Derby then made all the way, lost by a nose to Personal Ensign in the Distaff

[sammyboywonder99]

Just like his dad . . . Dominating!

[JohnFPorcaro]

Just like his Daddy!

[cf1970]

Yep, Risen Star reminded me of SECRETARIAT with both his endurance and kick at the end. Timeless stuff. Take care.

[smadonna]

Too bad he never raced again.

The Dave Johnson call on ABC was much better than Marshall Cassidy's. Johnson said at thte end, he's just like his daddy.

thanks for the video

[cf1970]

Glad you enjoyed it, smadonna. Yes, it's a shame RS had such a short career. Dave Johnson is one of my favourite racecallers. Take care.

[Bassman968]

Marshall Cassidy called it 10 lengths, but I believe he won by 14.

Thanks for posting this!

[cf1970]

Yeah, it looked like more than 10, I agree. It was my pleasure. You're welcome Bassman. Take care.

[bon1042]

I wish I had heard that !!!