Saturday's Wins and Losses

The three-year-old colt, Orb, was in 16th place during the first half of yesterday's Kentucky Derby, and he was taking mud in the face from every horse in front of him. His jockey calmly led him to the outside of the pack where there was a clear path, and in the final stretch, Orb bolted to the lead to win The Roses and enjoy the last horse-laugh. It was a great win and happened to come on the 40th anniversary of Secretariat's great come-from-behind win in a record time that still stands today as the fastest Derby ever by the greatest horse ever.

And while the best horse won yesterday, the ballet world lost its greatest cowboy. Frederic Franklin passed away at the age of 98. The original Champion Roper in Agnes De Mille's Rodeo and a "living legend" for nearly fifty years, Franklin was well-known for passing on as much colorful commentary about this country's ballet greats as he did choreography. 

Rest in peace, Mr. Franklin, you've danced it all.

Washington Post obit

Comments

[Angelica Smith]

Oh, Haglund, I thought he was going to live forever. He was such a kind and witty man, not to mention how talented and generous. I'm so glad I got to see him interviewed at the Guggenheim Works and Process program--was it three years ago? Four? And to see him in his last years as the Tutor in SL and the Friar in R&J.

[Haglund]

Mr. Franklin was in the first live ballet performance I ever saw when he brought the Stars of the National Ballet to my hometown back in the Ice Age. He certainly was fascinating for a very long time.

[B]

I'm very sorry to hear about Mr. Franklin's passing. But I'm so glad I got to see him on the stage at Met. The other ABT dancers, like Marcelo Gomes, always seemed so protective of him. It's nice that he lived such a long, productive life... and that he was able to grace the stage almost until the very end.

P.S.: Orb's win was really exciting. Such an incredible athlete! I can never resist a come-from-behind winner.

[Haglund]

Remarkable artist.