Quick Call

"If he doesn't like you," said Tremper, manager of the Thoroughbred Retirement Farm's program in Wallkill, N.Y., "he'll let you know right away."

But that's fine with Tremper and the inmates who care for the game, graded-stakes winning gelding who reeled off half of his 16 career wins at Saratoga, including consecutive victories in the 1988 and '89 Forego Handicap.

All these years later, Quick Call is doing remarkably well at Wallkill and is in "great shape," Tremper said.

"He likes all the attention he gets here," said Tremper of Quick Call, who earned $807,817 during his 86-race career. "There are certain guys he doesn't like. But all the others…he'll come over and wait to get scratched and rubbed and then take whatever treats they have with them."

Quick Call, who returned to Saratoga several years ago to be reunited with his fans, kept the best of company during his seven-year career. His past performances include races against the likes of Breeders' Cup Mile champion Steinlen, Java Gold, Fourstardave, Dancing Spree, Sewickley and Glitterman. After winning consecutive Forego Handicaps, he missed winning his third by only a nose. The gelding didn't do too badly down state, either, winning the 1990 Tom Fool Handicap at Belmont Park.

 
Quick Call remains one of Wallkill's better known horses and one of its most unique characters.
"He doesn't like it if he can't see the other horses=2 0in his field if you're trying to do something with him," Tremper said. "He's OK if he can see his pals. But if he can't check on the other guys, he'll yank on the rope and make things tough for you.

"He's one of the more dominant in that field and he just likes to see his pals."

The TRF has created a proven model for successful retirement through adoption, corrections-based vocation training, satellite farms, equine assisted therapy and if necessary humane euthanasia. We have made huge strides in our mission over 25 years. But there is still much to do and funding needed to achieve our goals. To give online today go to www.trfinc.org/donations.php or call 518-226-0028.