01/29/2022
We will always hold a special place in our hearts for Alphabet Soup. He was bred by Southeast Associates, headed up by Lambholm’s Roy Lerman, who privately purchased Soup’s mom, Illiterate, and chose to breed her to 1985’s Breeders' Cup Mile victor and Eclipse champion grass horse, Cozzene. An incredible story would unfold, as the resulting c**t, who RNA’d twice, would go on to win 10 of 24 races, among them the 1996 BC Classic, and nearly $3M in earnings.
Thank you, Alphabet Soup, for the thrills and indelible memories you gave us and all who loved you.
One thing is for certain tonight. Alphabet Soup was the People's Champion. From the fans he won over in his unexpected defeat of Cigar in the 1996 Breeders Cup Classic, to those sent a mare to him or owned one of his versatile progeny to those who knew him in retirement, an amiable old white gray stallion with a trusty donkey by his side, celebrating his 30th birthday surrounded by his fans. Soup took to his role of ambassador with pride. Even through his various infirmities, he remained gracious and welcomed attention. We doted on him until the end. Brave, well mannered, independent, kind, handsome and only occasionally demanding of carrots, he was hard not to love. 31 years is quite an epic life. And although today, it was apparent he was ready, it is sadly apparent that we were not. On a personal note, I am saying goodbye to my favorite old friend. After Creator left us, Soup gently and just a bit sneakily stepped into an empty spot in my heart. On our visits, I would often sing a few bars from the Buckeyes fight song very poorly, Hang on Sloopy..,So hang on, Soupy, Hang on, Hang on....he didn't quite roll those expressive eyes, but rather just took another carrot. It is comforting to know how much our People's Champion was loved. I understood on each visit, every day was Grace. I know next time, the big barn will seem so empty. Still. I'd be awfully selfish not to wish you a safe journey after all you gave us,
We are such still as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.
Until then, Souple.
Vivien