Hoss Talk

A feel-good horse story (Unedited)

Nearly all of us have had days waking up feeling as if a big dark cloud was hanging above our head. Often signs of a bad day ahead

If you are feeling that way today, this story should make it somewhat brighter.

Henry and Mary Miller have been involved with horse racing since 1981. Henry now retired from training, still keeps a presence at Hastings Park.

Mrs. Miller, when not at the races enjoys making hats and blankets for the homeless. Each Christmas, she drops them off at various churches, never leaving her name.

Since beginning their small stable, all their racehorses have come from foals by Sales Girl,

who they own in partnership.

Of all the horses they have owned, Mrs. Miller’s favourite always has been El Nino Mi Amor. Under the care of son trainer Henry Jr. he has won over $50,000

“I loved him since the day he was born. There wasn’t a day, I didn’t go by his barn and bring him carrots and treats. He was my baby.” said Mary Miller. 

On November 10th 2002, her dream nearly came to an end, when El Nino Mi Amor was claimed ((bought) by another trainer.

“When I saw them hang a red tag on his bridle after his race, I cried. I knew we had lost him. For two weeks I did not go to the races.” said Mrs. Miller.

During the next two years, despite losing personal contact with the horse, she would watch  every race El Nino Mi Amor ran and wished him luck.

 On July 1^st of this year, owner/trainer Juan Lara claimed El Nino Mi Amor for $7000.00

“After I claimed him, Mrs. Miller came to my barn and asked if she could come by and visit the horse and give him some treats and carrots.  I told her you could visit him anytime. You could see how much love she had for this horse.” said Lara

After a few weeks go by, Lara begins noticing some swelling in El Nino Mi Amor’s ankle and decides not to race the horse again.

Lara then has an idea. He decides to have a meeting with Miller Sr. and ask him if his wife would like to have El Nino Mi Amor back.

Miller asks how much and is stunned by the answer. “Because I know how much your wife loves the horse. I give it to you for free.” said Lara.

Overjoyed and in shock, Miller looks for his wife to give her this news. “Mary, stand up and look at me. Juan (Lara) wants you to have your horse back. She asks how much? When I told Mary, he wants no money. And is giving you the horse as a gift, tears begin rolling down here face, she was so happy. It was unbelievable.” said Miller Sr.

Were there any restrictions attached to this $7000 l gift? Absolutely none, the Millers are free to do what ever they wish to do with their horse.

For Lara, who would preferred us not telling you this story, it became a case of how could we not.