Whatever happened to Little Current?
Preakness, Belmont winner still acting like a champ at 30
By JASON BLEWITT
Remember Little Current, that brave colt who won the Preakness and Belmont 
Stakes in 1974 before being named the 3-year-old champion over Cannonade? Well, 
Little Current is alive and well at age 30, making
him the oldest living winner of a Triple Crown race.
Maverick Farm, a small farm near Monroe, Wash., is Little
Current's home these days. Veterinarians Ann and Mark Hansen purchased Little 
Current in Louisiana and moved the old timer to their farm six years ago. The 
Hansens, who are married, were longtime fans of the champion.
"It's so special having this horse around,"Ann Hansen said. "We were so into him 
when he was running, and I'll never forget the moment he walked off
the van onto our farm. He's a part of the family. I still think he deserved to 
win the Triple Crown. But I guess I'm a bit biased."The Hansens are not alone in 
their opinion, for many be
lieve Little Current had one of the worst trips in Kentucky Derby history.
Little Current no longer looks like a horse that won two legs of the Triple 
Crown but still finds ample amount of time to rear, buck and kick from his stall 
on the way to the paddock. "My husband handles him on the walk from his stall to 
the paddock," Hansen said. "I'm afraid he'll run
off with me. He's still got that fire 
burning inside of him."
Little Current's diet consists of "senior food," a special mix of grain and bran 
for older horses. This food is easier on Little Current's teeth and digestive
system. She added that the old timer receives no medication.
Additionally, Little Current does not have to endure the hammering involved in 
securing regular horseshoes. Instead, he wears special glue-on shoes. These 
shoes, worn by thoroughbreds with chronic foot problems, are more comfortable on 
Little Current's arthritic legs.
"They just give him extra cushioning and support," Hansen said. "He's got old 
racehorse legs, and these shoes really help. They're like wearing sneakers."
Little Current raced for John Galbreath's Darby Dan Farm and trainer Lou 
Rondinello. He stood at that famous Lexington, Ky., operation until 1989. His 
last crop are now 4-year-olds.
"You'd never know it; you'd think he's still racing the way he
sizes people up and down," Hansen said. "He's the smartest horse I've ever seen. 
He thinks he's a king."
One morning she made the
mistake of giving Little Current's stablemates their food before him. That was a 
mistake she'll never make again. "I thought he
was going to tear down the barn," Hansen said. "He's kicking the back of his 
stall and squealing. I make it a point to make sure he's taken care of before 
feeding the other horses."
Life with Little Current on their farm has been pleasant and stress free, that 
is until an 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the Seattle area Feb. 28. As soon as 
it hit, both Hansens jumped in their car and sped to Little Current's paddock. 
What did they find? Why none other than Little Current grazing, acting like 
nothing had happened.
"We were thinking the worst, and when we pulled up Little Current is standing in 
his usual spot, eating the grass with not a care in the world," she said. "He 
takes everything in stride. I guess that's why he's lived so long."
Little Current has more visitors now then ever. And according to Hansen, the old 
timer loves every bit of it, unless he gets a bad vibe from someone. "He can 
read you like a book," she said. "He's very interested in most of the people who 
come and see him. If he gets a bad vibe, he'll turn his back and pretend you're 
not there. Of course, he loves his peppermints. You can win him over with 
those."
Considering he's 30, the horse has had a storybook life. "I know he can't live 
forever," Hansen said. "But he's truly a part of the family. We wouldn't trade 
places with anyone."