Alpena Magic Still Going Strong

by Amie Alexander

Alpena Magic, or Charlie as he is nicknamed, is a rare horse by any standard. He is a 14-year-old racehorse that is still competitively running.

Charlie earned his nickname when he was just a foal. His owner, Kenneth J. Robinette, would go out into the pasture and walk Charlie. Following behind Robinette and Charlie was Magic Goddess, Charlie's mother. The three would walk so much that Robinette would get "charley horses" in his calves. From these walks, Alpena Magic received his nickname, Charlie.

Since those long walks as a foal, Charlie has been claimed in several races along the way. However, Charlie has always found his way back to Robinette and his trainer, Bill Hicks.

Charlie has been competitive throughout the years. He even set a track record at Hoosier Park for one and one-sixteenths mile. However, the record only lasted a short time before another horse broke it again.

"The thing that is so unique about Charlie is that he has always been sound. He has never had any serious injuries," said Hicks.

Charlie also has a very personable attitude that makes him so endearing. When Charlie is not out racing, he spends his days carrying around little children from a local children's home.

"He is a pleasure to work with and be around," said Hicks. "He is really just a big pet."

Charlie was put to the test in 2003. During a special promotion involving seven foot seven inch Manute Bol, Charlie was led to the Grandstand Paddock for photos. The former NBA player stepped toward Charlie, and Charlie stepped back. It was the first time he was reluctant to meet anyone.

"Charlie had never seen a jock that big before," said Hicks. "He was quite surprised to see Manute."

Manute finally did get close enough to Charlie for some photos. However, Bol never got close enough for an actual ride.

When Charlie's time of rest and relaxation is over, he knows how to be all business on the racetrack. Charlie seems to enjoy his time racing, even though he is 14-years-old.

"As long as Charlie wants to be a race horse, we will race him sparingly," said Hicks. "We would never race him unless he was sound and competitive."

Through the many years of racing, Charlie has acquired a large fan base. Recently, Charlie did not finish a race at Hoosier Park. Some of his fans have shown a great deal of concern for Charlie.

"I bet you that 30 to 40 people have inquired about him. Even more people came to see him to make sure that he was alright," said Hicks.

Charlie was involved in an incident Saturday, Oct. 9. Heading down the backstretch, he fell due to interference from another horse that had fallen. Both Charlie and jockey Sidney LeJeune, Jr. were fine. Charlie jumped to his feet and galloped straight to the gate leading to the barn.

As a result of the race, Charlie is a little body sore. Charlie will not race during the remainder of 2004. Next year, only Charlie will be able to decide if he wants to retire and spend more time with the children or race. Until then, he will enjoy peppermints and other treats that he is so fond of.

When the day for Charlie to retire comes, he will have his own barn to live in. Also, Robinette has planned for Charlie to have his own pasture. Maybe Robinette and Charlie will once again start their walks, hopefully without any "charley horses" this time.