Alter not sorry he waited on Apologynotaccepted

HALLANDALE BEACH, Fla. – March is only halfway over, and it has already produced two spectacular performances here by horses making their debuts. The first came from the 3-year-old filly Lightstream, who earned a 103 Beyer Speed Figure on March 6, and the second by a 5-year-old mare named Apologynotaccepted, who ran off the screen to a 16-length triumph on March 11.

Apologynotaccepted is owned by her breeder, the former trainer Happy Alter, who showed remarkable patience before finally getting her to the races at the age of 5.

“Not many owners want a 4-year-old turning 5 like she is now,” said Alter, whose list of past pupils includes the three-time Grade 1 winner Jolie’s Halo, former world record holder Frosty the Snowman, and the graded stakes winner Halo’s Image. “She didn’t go into training until 3, and when I saw she wasn’t right, I sent her back to the farm. She returned again later that year but just wasn’t as comfortable as she should have been. She just seemed to be a little sore here, a little sore there, and couldn’t put it all together. So, I turned her out for a full year. I saw some talent in her and just thought she deserved the chance, so I gave her the time.”

When Apologynotaccepted returned to training again, Alter sent her to trainer David Kassen.

“I told Dave this horse has a lot of ability, we just have to be patient with her,” said Alter. “Horses are just like you and I. If we have something bothering us, we stop working out until whatever that problem might be is gone. When I trained Jolie’s Halo, he needed some time, too, at first, and he went on to become one of the top horses in the world.”

Apologynotaccepted, a daughter of Fusaichi Pegasus, earned a 96 Beyer Speed Figure for her debut. But despite the sensational nature of the race, Alter is inclined to be a bit conservative when selecting a spot for her next start.

“In the 28 years I was training, I’d usually let a maiden winner come back and win their next condition and then look for a stakes after that,” said Alter. “She’s also bred for the grass, being out of a With Approval mare, so we have a lot of options. I have her whole family. I have a couple of Curlins here at the track and more coming. I’m really proud of her and glad I chose to be patient and give her all that time.