THE SATURDAY POST

In less than a year, Blind Luck transformed her career from being an unraced $10,000 filly at auction to become the 2010 Kentucky Oaks winner.

On June 21, 2009, Blind Luck made her racing debut in a $40,000 maiden claiming race at Calder Race Course. After she blazed to a 13¼ length victory, Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer privately purchased Blind Luck. She soon began racing in graded outings.

In her next eight starts, Blind Luck captured five wins – three of which were Grade 1 victories.

In April of 2010, Blind Luck was shipped from California to Kentucky to challenge a field of rivals in the Kentucky Oaks. In her riveting last-to-first fashion, Blind Luck bulleted in the final stretch to clinch a victory by a nose in one of the most highly-regarded filly races in the United States.

Since the Oaks, Blind Luck has won two of her last four starts and finished second in the remaining outings.

Throughout her career, Blind Luck has raced throughout the United States, hit the board in every outing, and has proven her ability on both synthetic and dirt surfaces.

As she points toward her next start in the Breeder’s Cup Ladies Classic at Churchill Downs, Daniel Ward answered our questions about Blind Luck. Ward is an Assistant Trainer for Hollendorfer and heads the Southern California Division.

JW: Blind Luck has amassed five Grade I victories, including the Kentucky Oaks in 2010. How did you feel about Blind Luck’s potential when she first joined the Hollendorfer stable?

DW: She was a good-looking filly - very tall with long legs. When we were just working her, we could tell that she was a nice filly. But, until the first time that she ran, we didn’t know.

The first time she raced for us she had a lot of trouble, but she circled the field and won pretty easily. So, we were very excited about that.

Then, we took a big step up from that starter allowance race and she ran the Grade 1 Debutante. When she ran second, we knew we had a good filly.

JW: Blind Luck has been shipped all around the country and has run on both dirt and synthetic surfaces. In your opinion, does she prefer any particular surface or track?

DW: She has won at eight different tracks. She has three Grade I victories on synthetic and two on dirt. So, I really don’t think she has a preference since she has run well on every track. I believe if she gets a chance someday, she would run well on grass - just because of her running style.

JW: Blind Luck appears to enjoy running from behind-to-first in the final seconds during her races. Do you think she knows where the wire is in any given field?

DW: I think she races the same way she acts and trains in the morning. She runs like that in the morning.

In a morning workout, it is a really big advantage when you have a horse like her because you don’t have to worry about her being too strong galloping or working too fast. She can go very slow if you want, and then, she just picks it up on her own or on the turn. We try to teach a lot of horses how to do that and she’s always been able to do that.

She doesn’t have any off-days in workouts.

It just seems like she knows what she’s doing.

JW: Do you get nervous in the final seconds of her races because of her style of running?

DW: Yes. Nobody can really say that they don’t, but it’s very exciting.

A lot of the time when I’m watching her race, I really think that when she moves around the turn and she’s running at a target, she’s going to get there. But sometimes, when she gets there, she waits on the other horse. So, that makes it closer than it should be in the end.

JW: How did you feel when Blind Luck won the Kentucky Oaks?

DW: It is very hard to start a year and pick a goal for any horse. It was satisfying just to get to the race.

When she won the race that we were pointing for all year, it was a very big accomplishment.

JW: You have regular contact with Blind Luck. What is her personality like at the stable?

DW: She is very smart. She likes to go out early. She gets very anxious when she sees other horses go out to the track. She likes to be the first one out.

She usually works at 8 o’clock. She is so smart that if she doesn’t go out early, she relaxes with the thought that she’s not going to work out that day.

I can do anything I want with her, without them tying her up or putting a halter on her, because I have a bag of carrots with me when I check all the horses in the morning. She knows me. But, when she sees my foreman coming around to give her vitamins, she won’t let anyone catch her. Especially the vet. She is just that smart.

She also like peppermints and sugar cubes. She is a little spoiled. Spoiled, but friendly.

She is a very nice horse to be around and doesn’t give anybody any trouble.

She doesn’t like to stand still, but if you catch her, she’s very relaxed.

JW: Does Blind Luck have any unique or fun personality traits?

DW: She really makes a mess out of her stall because she likes to make big mountains of straw. I look in there sometimes and say, ‘What are you doing?’ But, if she wants to do that, it’s fine. It’s a mess, but overall, it’s nothing really.

She also loves to travel. If she hears the van, she’ll prick her ears up and get excited. And, when you walk her up to the van, she’ll drag you into the van. You better be ready.

JW: What makes Blind Luck so special to you?

DW: It’s her competitiveness. I’ve heard stories that when she was growing up at the farm, she was always the one that pushed all the other horses away to get to the feed.

She is very competitive when she gallops. When she sees other horses, she wants to go after them. And, when she’s working, she’ll see a horse way out front and try to catch the horse.

It’s something you just can’t teach them, they just have it.

She has a lot of desire to win.

JW: What led to the decision to point Blind Luck to the Breeder’s Cup Ladies Classic?

DW: She already has had a good race at Churchill Downs, so the Ladies Classic was an easy race to point toward. She’s already won at that track and at that distance. It has been the goal all year, especially since she proved that she liked Churchill Downs.

JW: Do you intend to run Blind Luck as a Four-Year-Old?

DW: Yes. She will get a break. But, there are a lot of races for older females all over the country and she has already won on most of those tracks. We could try the Apple Blossom since she has won at Oaklawn. We could also run in the Delaware Handicap since she’s already won the Oaks at Delaware Park. And, we could also run her at Churchill since she has already won there. She doesn’t mind shipping for races.

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Long before Zenyatta was born, there was Eclipse.

Eclipse was a race horse from Great Britain that retired with an undefeated record in eighteen career starts during the 18^th Century.

Eclipse never felt the feeling of defeat.

He made the winner’s circle his stomping ground.

And today, Eclipse is one of the most coveted names in racing. He is the namesake to the annual Eclipse Award trophies that recognize the outstanding achievements of horses and individuals in the racing industry.

When we crown a champion “Horse of the Year,” we’re talking about Eclipse.

And, when we start talking about Eclipse, we should point to the horse embodies his level of achievement.

I’m pointing at Zenyatta.

Zenyatta has never felt the feeling of defeat.

She’s made the winner’s circle her stomping ground.

And today, Zenyatta is one of the most coveted names in modern racing. She has racked up a list of achievements that would have given Eclipse himself a grueling run for his money if he had met her in his lifetime.

Zenyatta has a perfect record of winning eighteen consecutive starts.

Yes, Eighteen. The only horse in U.S. history that has ever retired with a perfect record greater than eighteen was Pepper’s Pride, the holder of nineteen consecutive victories during her racing career. And, there is no doubt in my mind that Pepper’s Pride truly accomplished something spectacular.

However, Zenyatta and Pepper’s Pride raced in different circles. Pepper’s Pride built her winning record through racing solely in New Mexico in many state-restricted races. She never entered a graded race in her career.

And yes, there is a value for earning good grades on a report card.

I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.

She is a virtual valedictorian in graded outings.

Zenyatta holds the world record for the most consecutive Grade I wins and has built her undefeated record through winning sixteen graded races, twelve of which were Grade I races.

Yes, twelve Grade I victories. Only six horses in U.S. history have ever captured more Grade I victories than Zenyatta. The record for the most Grade I victories in U.S. history stands with John Henry, who captured sixteen Grade I wins during his career.

But, John Henry isn’t up for “Horse of the Year.”

He already won it in his lifetime.

Twice.

Yet, John Henry provides a fine example of the mathematics of being “Horse of the Year.” Aside from holding the record for winning the most Grade I races, John Henry was the highest money-earning thoroughbred of his time when he retired with career earnings of $6,597,947.

So, yes. There is the business of making money.

I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.

Currently, Zenyatta has earned $6,254,580 during her career. She stands as the all-time female earnings leader in North America. And, she’s earned it in some impressive outings.

In 2009, a single female horse stomped into the gates of the Breeder’s Cup Classic and challenged all the boys to beat her to the wire. It was a bold move.

That female made history.

I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.

When Zenyatta became the first female to win the 2009 Breeder’s Cup Classic, she didn’t break a standing record. And, she didn’t set a record that was vulnerable to being broken in the future. She stamped out an untouchable spot in racing history.

So, yes. Zenyatta is a living legend.

And, she keeps blazing along.

Through her journey, Zenyatta is redefining what it means to be a race horse in the modern age. She’s dancing for crowds and drinking Guinness. Zenyatta is posting her activities on Facebook and sharing videos on You Tube.

She is hovering on the L.A. Dodgers billboard like Godzilla, announcing that Los Angeles is her town.

How many race horses lay claim to owning a town?

I’m pointing at Zenyatta, again.

Yet, many people are pointing at Zenyatta these days. Children show up at the race track with pink and teal painted faces.

And, they’re pointing at Zenyatta.

Non-industry media is starting to notice Zenyatta. The Huffington Post and W Magazine are telling the non-racing world that there is something spectacular going on at the race track.

They are pointing at Zenyatta.

Even Oprah is praising Zenyatta these days.

When Oprah set out to find twenty elite women who embodied various character traits for O Magazine’s 2010 Power List, the maven found one woman who stood along in demonstrating the “Power of Heart.”

Oprah pointed at Zenyatta.

Yes, Oprah. A woman who has been televising heartwarming stories for twenty-five years went ahead and picked Zenyatta as the woman who showed “heart” above all rivals in the human field.

And still, Zenyatta races toward her last two outings in a mirror image of Eclipse’s undefeated record.

If she wins, she’ll eclipse it.

And, if she loses, she’ll match it.

Regardless, she has already raced into Eclipse’s territory.

And, when we start talking about Eclipse, we’re talking about “Horse of the Year.”

A horse that has never felt the feeling of defeat.

A horse that makes the winner’s circle their stomping ground.

I’m pointing at Zenyatta.

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In 1969, an ordinary coin was tossed into the air that held three sides – winning, losing, and everything beyond the two polar outcomes.

The outcome of the coin toss was a testament to the principle that an extraordinary life doesn’t lend itself to pre-existing realities or expectations.

It is a life that surveys common notions and ideas, and ultimately, carves out a new definition for the world.

Secretariat did just that.

Before Secretariat ever set a hoof on this earth, he twirled a simple coin flip into a monumental loss to the seemingly straightforward winner.

Ogden Phipps had technically won the coin-toss that governed the existing Phipps-Chenery breeding arrangement when Secretariat was among the three foals to be picked between the parties. However, the win only allowed Phipps to receive first choice between two foals born in 1969. In losing the coin flip, Penny Chenery automatically received the second foal born in 1969, as well as the only Bold Ruler foal that would be born in 1970 – Secretariat.

Through a two-sided coin, Secretariat had already redefined “winning” before he even entered the world.

Yes, Secretariat did just that.

On January 20, 1972, Secretariat left his home and set out on an extraordinary journey in his life. He arrived at Hialeah Park in Florida and began training to be a race horse. It was no small endeavor.

You see, before Secretariat became a “Superhorse,” he was just a red horse that garnered little respect. His groom, Eddie Sweat, stated “I didn’t think much of him when we first got him. I thought he was just a big clown. He was real clumsy and a bit on the wild side, you know.”

And, his trainer, Lucien Lauren, didn’t mince words when reporting to Chenery on Secretariat’s progress at the track. Lauren’s updates to Chenery were reportedly filled with remarks like, “I have to teach him how to run. He’s big, awkward, and doesn’t know what to do with himself.”

Yes, Secretariat seemed just like that.

Awkward.

As a two-year-old, Secretariat experienced the feeling of defeat. Lauren would report to Chenery, “He hasn’t shown me much.” And, in his first maiden race, Secretariat didn’t.

He lost.

Yes, Secretariat started out just like that.

He was defeated in his first race.

And then, Secretariat felt the feeling of victory.

In July of 1972, Secretariat won his first maiden race while finishing six-lengths in front of the rest of the field. Writer William Nack, reported, “Secretariat had raced the fastest six furlongs of his life,” at the time of his maiden victory.

Nack went on to comment, “Secretariat raced as if he had a future.”

Yes, Secretariat did it just like that.

He saw the future laid before his eyes.

In his third race, Secretariat had his first brush with fame.

While he was being saddled for an allowance race, a circle of people had collected at the paddock to view him. Among the crowd, was veteran turf writer, Charles Hatton.

When Hatton first laid eyes on Secretariat, he would later report, “You carry an ideal around in your head, and boy, I thought, ‘This is it.’ I never saw perfection before. I absolutely could not fault him in any way. And neither could the rest of them and that was the amazing thing about it. They body and the head and the eye and the general attitude. It was just incredible. I couldn’t believe my eyes, frankly.”

Yes, Secretariat was just like that.

A vision of perfection.

And, by the end of his two-year-old season, Secretariat was infamous.

Between July and November of 1972, Secretariat had officially won 7 of his 9 races and became the first two-year-old in history to be named “Horse of the Year.” His breeding rights were syndicated for a world-record total of 6,080,000 before he even began his three-year-old career.

Yes, Secretariat did all of that.

He broke records before he ever began his bid for the Triple Crown.

And then, Secretariat set out to become unstoppable in his three-year-old career.

When he entered the post parade for his first race as a three-year-old in the Bay Shore Stakes, Trainer Syd Walters reportedly told Lauren, “Good luck… You get one of those in a lifetime.”

And, when he won his three-year-old debut by 4 ½ lengths, Roger Lauren was said to exclaim from his box seats, “He’s too much horse! They can’t stop him! They can’t even stop him with a wall of horses!”

Yes, Secretariat was all of that.

He appeared to be unstoppable.

And then, Secretariat experienced doubt.

As Secretariat headed toward the Derby, the rumor mill swirled about Secretariat’s soundness after losing the Wood Memorial. Jimmy Snyder, an odds maker, reportedly told an Associated Press reporter that he had heard Lucien Lauren was icing one of Secretariat’s knees. Lauren was incensed when he heard the remark.

In response, Lauren offered to fly Snyder to Kentucky, allow Snyder to pick his own veterinarian, and personally view an examination of Secretariat’s knees to prove the soundness of the horse.

When Snyder didn’t accept the offer, Lauren reportedly went on to publicly bet Snyder a thousand dollars that Secretariat was sound. Snyder refused the bet.

Yes, Secretariat saw all that.

He bet on his own ability.

And, Secretariat experienced friendship.

During his racing years, Secretariat would reportedly wait for Eddie Sweat, his groom, every morning in his stall.

When Sweat approached, Ron Turcotte reported, “He’d grab the tip of Secretariat’s tongue to wish him ‘Good Morning.’ Before you knew it, every time Eddie passed his stall, the horse stuck out his tongue.”

You see, Sweat had a philosophy about being a friend to a racehorse that Secretariat seemed to admire in his groom. He reportedly told writer William Nack, “Only way horses win is to sit there and spend time with ’em. Love ’em. Talk to ’em. Get to know ’em. Now, that’s what you gotta do. You love ’em and they’ll love you too. People may call me crazy, but that’s the way it is.”

Secretariat didn’t find it crazy.

People noticed the beautiful bond that Sweat had formed with Secretariat. Ted McClain, Barn Foreman for Lucien Lauren, provided a testament on their relationship to writer Lawrence Scanlan, in saying “Eddie and that horse were like brothers. Eddie lived with him; traveled with him. They were joined at the hip.”

Yes, Secretariat treasured all of that.

He appreciated the value of a good friend.

And then, Secretariat won the Kentucky Derby.

He had awoken at 4 o’clock in the morning and spent most of the day hanging around the back of his stall. According to Sweat, this was a good sign. He reportedly didn’t want to be bothered on race days.

When the gates opened, Secretariat delivered a beautiful response to his critics. He ran every quarter mile faster than the preceding quarter. And, in the home stretch, he passed his final rival – Sham – to claim a 2 ½ length victory.

Secretariat set a new winning track record of 1:59 2/5 for the Kentucky Derby.

Yes, Secretariat did just that.

He holds the Kentucky Derby track record to this day.

And then, Secretariat set his gaze on the second jewel of the Triple Crown – The Preakness.

Once he broke from the gate, Secretariat did something astounding. As he headed into the first turn, Secretariat was dead last. Within seconds, Secretariat passed the entire field by the end of the first turn and drove through the rest of the race like a big red Bentley. Secretariat ultimately captured a 2 ½ length victory in the Preakness.

Ron Turcotte never used his whip during the race. Turcotte would later comment, “The pace was slow and he wanted to run… He was determined to run. I figured, if this is the way he wants to do it, I’ll let him have his way.”

Those who watched the race were in awe of Secretariat’s performance in the Preakness. Baltimore Handicapper, Clem Florio, reportedly shook his head in amazement and said, “Horses just don’t do what he did here today… They just don’t do that and win.”

Yes, Secretariat could do all that.

He could make a person marvel over his ability to accomplish a seemingly impossible feat.

And then, Secretariat performed pure magic in the Belmont.

Prior to the race, Secretariat had a fun secret that he wasn’t sharing. He was going to change the very definition of “Winning the Belmont.”

Penny Chenery noticed his mood. Prior to the race, she reportedly stated that Secretariat had come back from a workout wanting to play, “as if he thinks racing is a game we thought up for his amusement.”

And, Lauren also saw that Secretariat had something up his sleeve. The night before the Belmont, the trainer reportedly stated, “I think he’ll win by more than he’s ever won in his life.”

As Ron Turcotte talked with Lauren before the race, Lawrence Scanlan wrote that the trainer reportedly told the jockey, “Neither send the horse nor hold him back. Just let him roll. Use ton proper jugement. Use your own judgment and let your horse use his.”

And Secretariat had made a judgment call.

When he broke from the gates, Secretariat set out to deliver what is arguably one of the finest performances in horse racing. Secretariat and Sham stood alone from the first turn through the middle of the second turn in an apparent match race. When Sham faded, Secretariat stood all alone in an otherworldly moment.

Turcotte hadn’t used a whip and the rest of the field was nowhere to be found.

The jockey would later explain the moment in saying, “I heard Sham’s hooves disappear behind me… And then, there was nothing. All I could hear was Secretariat’s breathing and his hooves hitting the ground. It was very quiet.”

Turcotte hand-rode Secretariat to a 31-length victory. The horse had not only broken the Belmont track record, but also, he set the world dirt track record for running a mile and a half in 2:24 flat.

He was coronated the first Triple Crown Winner in 25 years.

And, Secretariat did it just like that.

He raced in the Belmont in a way no one had imagined to be possible.

Later that year, Secretariat retired from racing.

After a farewell ceremony at Aqueduct, Secretariat was flown to Lexington, Kentucky to begin his stud career at Claiborne Farm.

As Secretariat’s plane headed for the Bluegrass Airport, the airport tower reportedly called to the pilot, Dan Neff, “There’s more people out here to meet Secretariat than there was to greet the governor.” The pilot allegedly responded, “Well, he’s won more races than the governor.”

Secretariat was led down the ramp and a police escort followed his van to Claiborne Farm. He was placed in the stall of Bold Ruler, his father, to begin his own legacy as a sire.

Eddie Sweat, his longtime groom, reportedly stared at Secretariat in his new stall and mourned the end of his racing career in saying, “Well, it’s all over now. They’ll never forget you, big fella. Never.”

And, Secretariat would later show that he didn’t forget Sweat’s friendship that existed throughout his racing days.

A year later, Sweat returned to Claiborne to pick up a foal for Lucien Lauren. Sweat told a reporter that he was in awe that Secretariat remembered him. “Secretariat, he came over and pulled on my shirt, just like he always did.”

Secretariat missed his racing friend.

And, Secretariat showed all that.

He walked right up to him and greeted him as if they were at a reunion.

And through the years, Secretariat would entertain many guests who came to visit him at Claiborne Farm.

In 1974, an Ohio-based reporter wrote that Secretariat played “pickup sticks” during their visit. Secretariat would hold a stick in his mouth and wait for the reporter to take it from him and give it back.

Secretariat also loved the camera eye. Retired Farm Manager John Sosby explained, “With a camera, he’d pose. He was showman, but he was kind. You could walk right up and get your picture taken with him.”

John Asher later told of how Secretariat posed for him when he went with a groom to see the horse in his paddock. “He was at the top of the hill. The groom I was with didn’t speak loudly. He just said, ‘Hey, Red.’” In a flash, Asher recalled Secretariat charging toward them, “BOOM! Here he comes. Flying down the hill. Absolutely flying down the hill. He gets to the fence at the end of the paddock where we were standing… Stops. And poses.”

Vickie Byrd told the story of how she visited Secretariat during a business trip. She reflected, “The big star in the barn was Secretariat. We were allowed to pet him and pose for pictures. It was like getting our picture taken with a movie star.” And, Secretariat left quite an impression on film. Byrd stated, “The funniest thing was after we got our pictures developed, we looked at one and saw that Secretariat had his tongue sticking out… Like a little kid!”

Secretariat also entertained children who came to visit the farm. Michele Valenta recalls that she visited Secretariat as a five-year-old girl, “I got to pet his nose and we turned around and walked away, looking at the other horses in the barn.” Valenta continued, “Shortly after, we heard clip-clop-clip-clop-clip-clop. We turned around to see Secretariat in all his red glory.” Valenta stated, “He was obviously perturbed when he was escorted back to this stall. Ears back, very annoyed.” She reflected, “He stole my heart then. He was so full of personality and I could see it, even at a young age.”

When Robin Porcelain visited Secretariat with her husband, Warren, he proved himself a showman. She stated, “Secretariat obviously knew how special he was and majestically pranced and strutted for us.”

Dorothy Henderson, wife of Secretariat’s final groom at Claiborne, Bobby Henderson, remembers him for his kind nature. “I’ve never seen a horse like him. He was just like a big pet. He had a big heart, it was almost as big as two hearts, and you could almost see that.”

And finally, John Sosby reminisces about Secretariat’s sharp intellect during his time at Claiborne Farm. Sosby joked, “He never learned to play checkers because we didn’t know how to teach him.”

Through racing and retirement, Secretariat proved himself to be everything.

And, his legacy remains intact.

Years after Secretariat left racing, Charles Hatton marveled at his perfection, “He’s the greatest horse that anyone has ever seen. Don’t let anyone kid you. He could do anything, and he could do it better than any horse I ever saw. No question about it in my mind.”

And it seems, Secretariat knew that.

Through his entire life, he demonstrated the beauty of being everything.

He was called awkward before he was deemed perfect.

He was defeated before he knew victory.

He was a celebrity and an icon.

He was a Triple Crown Winner.

He was a friend.

He was a father.

He was Secretariat.

And, Secretariat was everything.

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In 1981, John Henry became the inaugural winner of the Arlington Million, the world’s first million-dollar purse, after overtaking The Bart in a photo finish.

The inaugural race is commemorated at Arlington Park with the statute, “Against All Odds,” showing John Henry’s seemingly impossible victory.

John Henry simply refused to let himself get beat when the odds were stacked against him.

And, the odds were stacked against him.

John Henry began as a horse that was supposed to get beaten in races.

He was dismissed as small and mean.

He didn’t have a great pedigree.

His ownership changed hands for pennies on the dollar in his early years.

No one wanted the poor guy.

And, no one expected him to be a good race horse.

Except, John Henry himself.

One day, John Henry decided that he was done being beaten in races.

He packed up his no-name pedigree and low expectations.

He went to the track set out to prove he could win.

And, John Henry prospered in the end.

John Henry won millions in his career and set milestones that defied the odds.

Sixteen years after John Henry claimed his second Arlington Million victory in 1984, Gio Ponti set out to match John Henry’s two-time winning record in the Arlington Millions last Saturday.

Gio Ponti entered the race as the favorite.

He had already won the Arlington Million in 2009.

It seemed a foregone conclusion that Gio Ponti had the race licked from the start.

Yet, Gio Ponti was racing on John Henry’s record-holding ground.

And, John Henry had already proved that anything can happen on that ground.

In the backdrop of Gio Ponti’s bid to match John Henry’s two-time winning record, two horses quietly arrived in the stables at Arlington Park.

The horses had never raced in the United States.

The trainer of both horses, John Gosden, had sought to win the Arlington Million for 28 years.

Gosden had run his first horse in the race in 1982.

In the years that followed, he raced a total of seven horses in the Arlington Million and victory had eluded him at every outing.

In January, Gosden signed a 22-year-old Jockey to his overseas stable – William Buick.

Despite being an up-and-coming jockey in England, Buick had never won a race in the United States.

And, it was Buick’s first time racing in the Arlington Million.

Buick was set to ride Debussy, who entered the gates with final odds of 11-1.

Debussy was competing in the Arlington Million alongside his stable mate, Tazeez.

Tazeez had all the pizzazz of a serious contender.

His betting odds were roughly half of those pegged against Debussy.

In his four starts in 2010, Tazeez hit the board on all occasions.

In contrast, Debussy had only won one race in five starts as a four-year-old.

He never hit the board in the surrounding races.

At Gosden’s training stable, Debussy and Tazeez raced each other in workouts.

Tazeez regularly beat Debussy.

It seemed Debussy was almost brought along for the ride, rather than with the idea that he could actually win the Arlington Million.

Yet, like John Henry, Debussy had other plans that day.

He was willing to fight against all odds.

When the gates opened, Tazeez reared while leaving the gate and lost a few lengths at the start.

He eventually caught the pace alongside long shot, Quite a Handful.

And, by the time Tazeez hit the final stretch, he had easily recovered from his rocky start to run 2½ lengths in front of the rest of the field.

It appeared Tazeez had it licked.

Then, Gio Ponti strode past Tazeez like a Rolls Royce and took the lead.

It seemed as if it truly was a foregone conclusion that John Henry’s two-time winning record in the Million was going to be matched by Gio Ponti.

Yet, John Henry doesn’t stand among the ranks of those who are supposed to be good.

He stands with those who have the desire to succeed where failure is seemingly a foregone conclusion.

While Gio Ponti was soaking in the spotlight, he started “idling a little bit, maybe looking at the stands or something,” said his jockey, Ramon Dominguez.

Meanwhile, Debussy struggled in the back of the pack.

He was blocked behind horses.

But, Debussy didn’t see failure as a foregone conclusion.

Buick explained, “I kept riding the rail, riding the rail. On the last bend, I had no room, but so much horse. Then, a hole opened. I kind of shut my eyes and then I saw he was through.”

Just like John Henry, Debussy made a decision that day.

He was done getting beaten on the track.

Debussy packed up his defeated record, bad trip and poor odds.

He set out to win the Arlington Million.

Debussy hugged the rail and drove past his rivals that blocked his path.

And, in his victory, Debussy showed a stunning display of determination to stomp out the odds against him.

It was his first Grade I victory.

It was his first time racing in the United States.

It was William Buick’s first win in North America.

And, it was the culmination of Gosden’s twenty-eight year dream of winning the race.

Debussy delivered it against all odds.

And, he did it without setting out to match John Henry.

Instead, Debussy’s victory paid a tribute to John Henry.

It was a tribute to John Henry’s hard-fought principle that anything can happen in a race where the drive to succeed outweighs the odds against the horse.

Debussy took that lesson to heart.

While racing on the ground where John Henry delivered one of the greatest testaments to the principle, Debussy decided he was done with defeat.

He won against the odds.

He won against his stable mate.

He won against the favorite.

He won one for John Henry.

Thank you to Horsephotos.com for the use of the photos of Debussy in the Arlington Millions. To comment on this article, click here.

Today, turf champion Tuscan Evening unexpectedly passed away following a workout at Del Mar.

The Irish-bred mare leaves behind a legacy that includes winning 12 of her 16 starts in the United States.

In the fall of 2008, Owner William De Burgh privately purchased Tuscan Evening as three-year-old maiden and shipped her to the United States.

De Burgh sent Tuscan Evening to Jerry Hollendorfer’s stable to train for her 2009 campaign as a four-year-old.

As the time she joined the stable, Tuscan Evening had never won a race.

Her record did not stop Hollendorfer’s stable from believing in her talent.

On January 22, 2009, Tuscan Evening made her first U.S. start in a maiden race at Santa Anita Race Track. She clinched a five-length victory.

After her maiden victory, she followed her maiden with a 3 ¾ length victory in an allowance race at Santa Anita.

Throughout her 2009 season, Tuscan Evening scored six victories, including her maiden, in ten starts. Of her six victories, two came in graded races.

In 2010, Tuscan Evening remained undefeated as a five-year-old after running in six graded races, including the Grade 1 Gamely Stakes. In three of her last four starts, she led the race wire-to-wire.

The Hollendorfer team put their unflinching faith and love into Tuscan Evening.

They patiently took a winless horse and slowly developed her into a turf champion.

They gave their full heart in doing so.

And, in a sad ending, Tuscan Evening gave her heart in return.

Love is a fragile thing.

But, it goes undefeated.

In Trainer Larry Rivelli’s barn at Arlington Park, there is a small bay racehorse named Helicopter.

Helicopter isn’t a household name for most horse racing enthusiasts.

Helicopter has never competed in a graded race and he doesn’t hold any breeding value for the sport. He is a gelding.

As a two-year-old, Helicopter raced fourteen times and stamped out a performance record for that year that held descriptors ranging from “failed to menace” to “no factor.”

When he began his three-year-old debut, Helicopter didn’t hold any promise as a Kentucky Derby hopeful. It wasn’t even a distant dream.

Helicopter was running in low-purse claiming races and losing in every outing.

It seemed Helicopter just wasn’t meant to be a racehorse.

Then, in March of 2009, Helicopter set foot on the track at Hawthorne Park in an attempt to win a highly-elusive race – his maiden victory.

In his 19^th career start, Helicopter delivered a surprising 2 ½ -length victory as he bulleted past his rivals in the field.

He had finally won his first race after eighteen failed outings.

When Helicopter delivered a second career victory, he was privately purchased by Trainer Larry Rivelli in May of 2009.

Rivelli explained, “Helicopter was part of a two-horse package. I think the pair cost roughly $7,500.”

In his first start with Rivelli as the trainer, he won by 8 ½ lengths in a claiming race at Arlington Park and earned $6,000 – nearly covering his purchase price during his third career victory.

After winning his next race by two lengths, Helicopter had begun to demonstrate his potential on the track. He had won three consecutive races in the claiming circuit under Jockey Brandon Meier.

Then, roughly two months after joining Rivelli’s stable, Helicopter was claimed during a race in July of 2009.

Rivelli immediately sought to retrieve Helicopter from his new owner.

Rivelli explained, “I liked the horse. After the race, we privately purchased him back for double of what the guy had paid to claim him.”

Helicopter never ran a single race for the new ownership prior to being recovered by Rivelli.

And, Rivelli never entered Helicopter in a claiming race again.

On September 6, 2009, Helicopter set foot on the track for his next race and clinched another victory.

Then, Helicopter went on to break two track records. He set the record for 10 furlongs in 2:02.95 during a starter race at Keeneland in October of 2009.

In his next outing, Helicopter set another record during an allowance race in Canada, running 10 furlongs in 2:03.47.

Rivelli explained, “Helicopter is a small horse, kind of average and plain-looking. His asset is that he is a distance horse and he never wastes any energy before a race.”

And, he has a good pilot. Rivelli remarked, “His jockey, Brandon Meier, is a perfect match.”

Since Rivelli began training the horse, Helicopter has only made one start without Meier as his rider.

And, Helicopter made it clear how he felt about racing without Meier aboard.

He lost.

Since that race, Meier has remained Helicopter’s regular jockey.

And, they have amassed quite a nice winning record together.

With Rivelli as his trainer, Helicopter has won twelve races with Meier aboard in sixteen starts.

Helicopter has won on varying surfaces – dirt, synthetic and wet dirt.

Recently, Helicopter attempted his first turf race at Arlington Park.

Prior to the race, I saw a bunch of young children standing at the rail waiting to watch Helicopter’s turf debut.

I was curious if they knew anything about horse racing.

I asked one of the girls, “Who do you think is going to win the race?”

She didn’t even pause as she shot back her answer.

“Helicopter.”

In one word, a kindergartner had matched my handicapping pick.

Helicopter was the clear favorite, riding a six-race winning streak.

Sadly, he didn’t win his turf debut.

However, Helicopter has won some fans with his overall winning record.

Fans from all age ranges.

Fans who come to the track.

And, fans that came to the track on a weekday.

Helicopter’s fans don’t care if he is running for roses, large purses or against graded-stakes winners.

They just like to see Helicopter win a race.

And still, Helicopter isn’t a household name for most horse racing enthusiasts.

Yet, it may do some good to start talking about Helicopter in the racing world.

He helps bring fans to the track for an average race on an ordinary day.

And, the local community comes out when Helicopter is racing.

It is an exceptional victory for the sport.

Last weekend, I traveled to Hollywood Park to watch Zenyatta make her bid to win her seventeenth undefeated career start.

At the track, someone asked me, “So, what brings you to California?”

The answer was easy. “Zenyatta.”

The person seemed surprised that I had traveled to Hollywood for a single horse.

However, in my opinion, Zenyatta isn’t just a good horse.

She is a living legend.

I wanted to be there to watch her stride into the history books in her record-breaking seventeenth career victory.

It appears that I wasn’t the only one who felt this way.

Prior to the race, Hall of Fame Trainer Bob Baffert stood in the paddock and surveyed Zenyatta before settling into his seat to watch her in the Vanity Handicap.

Later, when I thumbed through my racing program, I realized that Baffert didn’t have a single horse entered in a race at Hollywood Park that day.

Apparently, Baffert also wanted to watch Zenyatta challenge the undefeated records of Cigar and Citation.

And, as usual, Zenyatta didn’t disappoint.

In front of a crowd that appeared to be screaming for one single horse, she delivered her seventeenth consecutive victory in a heart-stopping moment at the finish line.

The entire park shook with excitement in the dizzying minutes that followed.

Zenyatta had made history again.

Prior to entering the winner’s circle, Zenyatta stood alone in front of the crowd and took in a long standing ovation.

It was as if she knew that she had just delivered pure magic.

And, in retrospect, I believe Zenyatta did know.

I learned a lot of lessons from my visit with Zenyatta that demonstrated the beauty surrounding a true legend.

First, Zenyatta delivers quite a greeting to her guests at the stable.

When we walked into her barn, my friend asked, “Where’s Zenyatta?” as she surveyed the stalls of horses.

Zenyatta answered the question with authority.

The giant mare rattled in her stall and stuck her head out. She stared right at us and never shifted her gaze as we stood watching her in awe.

It was stunning.

When her trainer John Shirreffs appeared, he matched Zenyatta’s hospitality to her guests.

After briefly greeting us, he slipped into his office.

At that moment, I envisioned that he was calling security to kick us out.

I could not have been more wrong.

Within a few seconds, Shirreffs re-emerged with a smile and a card with Zenyatta’s photo on it.

He handed me the photo as a souvenir as Zenyatta began to parade around the barn in preparation for her morning workout.

When I began to take pictures, she demonstrated her mastery of the camera eye.

As she drew close to the lens, Zenyatta paused and rose her head to demonstrate her full height.

She posed.

The next day, Zenyatta had a much larger audience to please as she prepared to challenge history in the Vanity Handicap.

As I stood in the paddock, I looked out at the large crowd of fans that lined the rails to catch a glimpse of her in the flesh.

The audience was speckled with Zenyatta fan gear – ranging from hand-painted signs to Zenyatta jerseys.

I drew the second lesson from Zenyatta in that moment.

At the pinnacle of success, character is shown through being gracious and charitable to everyone.

The jerseys that bore Zenyatta’s name were being sold to benefit Thoroughbred retirement and rescue.

Throughout Hollywood Park, fans weaved through the crowd adorned with the jerseys that represented Zenyatta’s charitable hoofprint.

And, as Zenyatta’s connections began to emerge in the paddock, they greeted the fans with the same excitement as Zenyatta demonstrated the previous morning.

Owners Jerry and Ann Moss entered the gates and waved at the onlookers with a giant smile.

And, when the Zenyatta set foot in the paddock, she delivered her dazzling dance steps without a care in the world.

Yet, despite the whirlwind of fan fare, Zenyatta was in the unshakeable gaze of one individual – Trainer John Shirreffs.

Zenyatta never left his sight as she danced and bowed for fans.

And, as I watched Shirreffs, it occurred to me that one principle stood solid in her success beyond racing or records: Put the welfare of the horse first.

In a single moment, I learned that Zenyatta isn’t only first at the finish line.

The well-being of Zenyatta comes first before she ever sets foot on a track.

Yet, in a few minutes, the idea of finishing first in the Vanity Handicap took center stage in the public sphere as Zenyatta pranced toward the track in response to the call to post.

As she entered the gates toward history, Zenyatta delivered a lesson that resonates strongly amidst the ongoing comparisons of her record to other champion race horses.

She didn’t look at her rivals.

Her gaze was marked firmly on the track laid before her own eyes.

Zenyatta didn’t compare herself to Rachel Alexandra.

She didn’t compare herself to the legacies set forth by horses like Ruffian or Secretariat.

Zenyatta failed to see the good that comes from comparing her accomplishments to other champions.

And, as far as I can tell, Zenyatta doesn’t spend her days undermining the achievements of fellow racehorses.

She just keeps racing.

And, she just keeps winning.

And - she doesn’t sling mud in the process.

In my opinion, Zenyatta’s winning philosophy provides a valuable lesson beyond comparison.

I have a word in my arsenal that can start conversations about horse racing with people who have never bet a nickel on the nose of a horse.

It’s a great word.

“Zenyatta.”

For those of you who struggle to define the allure of horse racing to non-enthusiasts, Zenyatta is a fun character to parade around in discussions at cocktail parties.

Why? Zenyatta appeals to pop culture and makes horse racing relatable to non-enthusiasts.

In a perfect world, I would live in a place where all my friends followed horse racing.

My social calendar would be full of trackside parties in which guests wore their handicapping picks as an icebreaker on their nametag.

However, I am young and live in Chicago.

And, until Zenyatta, any mention of horse racing to people in my age group led to blank stares and a quick change in topic.

Then, Zenyatta showed up and did something brand new for the modern era of racing.

Instead of trying to lure non-enthusiasts to the race track, Zenyatta stomped out into mainstream culture and joined the party.

I have to admit - she’s a sharp girl at marketing.

Zenyatta joined Facebook and made some new friends.

This was no small adventure.

According to Facebook, the average user has 130 friends.

In contrast, Zenyatta has amassed roughly 15,500 friends on her fan page.

As for her friends, Zenyatta started hanging out with people in the younger crowd. The highest age demographic on Facebook currently falls between ages 18 through 44.

Regarding her connections, they embraced Zenyatta’s new friends and lifestyle.

Her trainer, John Shirreffs, started a YouTube channel so that her fans could watch Zenyatta’s activities from their home computer.

On YouTube, Zenyatta’s friends can experience a workout between Zenyatta and her stable mate, Green Cat.

Since the video was posted by Shirreffs, over 83,000 fans have taken a virtual ride on the back of Zenyatta.

In another YouTube video, Shirreffs gives Zenyatta a Guinness beer while she is relaxing after a workout.

The clip of Zenyatta drinking a Guinness, initially posted by Shirreffs, generated nearly 4,700 views.

Apparently, many of Zenyatta’s friends enjoy meeting up with her for a drink.

However, Zenyatta is perhaps best-known for her dancing – which is catalogued in many videos across YouTube.

In the pre-race television broadcast of the 2009 Breeder’s Cup, an entire segment was devoted to Zenyatta’s dance moves. The network coverage of her dancing has since been viewed on YouTube by nearly 50,000 fans.

However, dancing appears to come easily to Zenyatta with the musical background provided by her ownership – Jerry Moss, co-founder of A & M Records.

Her name itself speaks volumes in this regard.

Zenyatta is named after the album, “Zenyatta Mondatta,” in recognition of Moss signing the band The Police to A & M Records.

But, Zenyatta doesn’t stop on the dance floor.

She has learned to paint pictures for auction to help fund Thoroughbred rescue efforts.

And, Zenyatta recently started marketing for the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.

Near her home base of Hollywood Park, a billboard stands at the corner of 106^th and Hawthorne Avenue.

The billboard features Zenyatta’s familiar mug shot, with the caption, “This Is My Town,” as a marketing promotion for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Take a minute and think about the victory embodied in that billboard.

A race horse is doing the marketing for baseball - one of the most popular sports in the United States.

Yet, Zenyatta’s crossover endeavors have not detracted from her racing talent.

As Zenyatta approaches the Vanity Handicap, she sets out to become the only race horse to remain undefeated in seventeen unrestricted top-level races in North America.

If she wins, she’ll make racing history for the third time in her career – having already captured two Breeder’s Cup records.

However, win or lose, Zenyatta has set a model for the industry to attract newcomers to the sport.

It’s simple: Zenyatta didn’t ask non-enthusiasts of racing to come to the track for a visit.

Instead, she waltzed in the world of pop culture and drew public attention to her sport.

Zenyatta embraced the Facebook trend, danced across the television screen, painted pictures for charity and offered a virtual “racehorse ride” on YouTube.

When she finished marketing her profession, she went back to her stable, drank a Guinness Beer and waited for her next start in the Apple Blossom.

And, in the end, people came to visit Zenyatta at the race track.

The hotels in Hot Springs, Arkansas were booked solid.

Fans stood outside the airport as she exited the plane.

They showed up in droves.

Official attendance for the 2010 Apple Blossom was recorded at 44,973 people – more than double the 21,782 guests that attended the race in 2009.

And, among the fan fare, Zenyatta continues her racing campaign.

As she prepares for her next start at Hollywood Park, people are again heading to the track to see if one single horse can maintain her undefeated record.

It’s all because of one word.

It’s a great word.

“Zenyatta.”

With the help of a former racehorse, Dawn Mellen helps paint a beautiful portrait of how to advance Thoroughbred rescue efforts.

The painter in this picture is named Turkoman – a Thoroughbred that won over two million dollars during his career.

In his retirement, Mellen assisted him to create a painting for an auction to fund the rescue efforts at Our Mims Retirement Haven in Kentucky.

Mellen’s creative funding endeavor with Turkoman is among the many examples of how she has helped Thoroughbred rescue efforts.

Mellen began working with Thoroughbred rescues in the mid-1990s. Through her work, she realized that a major obstacle for rescue organizations was funding.

In 2007, Mellen founded the non-profit organization, After the Finish Line (ATFL), to fund the rescue, rehabilitation, and retirement of Thoroughbred horses that can no longer race or breed.

ATFL provides yearly grants to Thoroughbred rescues to fund the expense of rescue efforts. The organization also has established an emergency fund to assist horses as needed throughout the year.

The board members of ATFL receive no salary - all donations directly benefit Thoroughbred rescue.

Funds provided to ATFL are used for various purposes, including saving horses at auctions, paying for medical expenses, providing hay and feed, paying boarding expenses, or transporting a Thoroughbred to safety.

Through funding basic needs of the horses, Mellen helps to assist in achieving the broader goal of transitioning ex-racehorses into second careers.

As a result of grants from ATFL, Thoroughbreds are retrained for hunting, jumping, dressage or trail riding.

If a horse cannot ride, the horses are retrained for equine therapy or as companion animals.

Mellen’s work proves that a racehorse doesn’t lose its worth at the end of their last race.

After the finish line, a Thoroughbred racehorse holds the potential to make a brand new start.

In a recent interview, Mellen discussed her organization and provided stories about Thoroughbreds who were rescued through the support of ATFL.

JW: Is your organization opposed to the sport of horse racing?

DM: ATFL is not opposed to horse racing. We are here to say that there are alternatives for these talented Thoroughbreds when their racing or breeding careers are over. They deserve the opportunity to transition into a second career.

JW: How does ATFL acquire funding for rescue efforts?

DM: ATFL received donations from individuals, corporations and foundations. Our support comes from the racing industry participants (owners, trainers, breeders, fans, etc.), people who own off the track Thoroughbreds and those who care about the welfare of these animals.

JW: How many rescues receive funding from ATFL?

DM: In 2009, 47 rescue organizations received funding from ATFL. We anticipate helping 50 - 60 rescue organizations in 2010.

JW: How are Thoroughbreds acquired by rescue organizations?

DM: Several ways. Many Thoroughbreds are purchased at auctions. Others are purchased or donated by owners, trainers, animal control or from people who can no longer take care of their horses.

JW: Can you cite a few examples of horses that your organization provided funding to facilitate their rescue, retraining, or retirement?

DM: Safe Haven Horse Rescue in CA rescued Excessorized, a descendant of Secretariat. However, her racing ability fell short of Secretariat’s talent. Excessorized raced nine times at Golden Gate Fields and earned $2,700.

Seven months after she left the racetrack, Animal Control found her emaciated and neglected. ATFL paid for vet, farrier and dental expenses - plus special feed that helped her gain 300 pounds.

In Michigan, After the Finish Line donated funds to purchase winter blankets for thirteen Thoroughbred ex-racehorses.

Temperatures fell below zero and snow drifts rose to the Thoroughbreds bellies. With many long, cold winter months of snow and freezing temperatures these thirteen horses will appreciate their new blankets.

In another case, ATFL’s monthly emergency funds were awarded for Eyes Left who raced as a two-year-old at Sunland Park and Ruidosa Downs in New Mexico.

To save him from auction he was purchased privately and brought to Texas. He became a Western riding horse.

Eventually, Eyes Left and his owners developed health issues and he was sent to Triple MeMac rescue. Triple MeMac will receive $1,000 for exam, dental, farrier, x-ray, vaccination and rehab expenses so Eyes Left can transition into a second career.

After The Finish Line is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in which all donations are fully tax-deductible. Visit the ATFL website at www.afterthefinishline.org or call 858.945.1371 to learn more or make a donation. You can also visit ATFL on Facebook by clicking this link.

Jim Tyrrell www.horsephotos.com

On Saturday, a mud-soaked colt trampled past the finish line at Churchill Downs into a Kentucky Derby victory.

In that golden second, Super Saver delivered the first Kentucky Derby victory to his ownership - WinStar Farm.

Todd Pletcher received the first Kentucky Derby victory in his training career.

Calvin Borel became the first jockey to win the Kentucky Derby three times in a four-year period.

As Borel headed to the winner’s circle, he shot out a bold statement that set fire to the wonder of racing enthuasists.

“We’re going to win the Triple Crown this year.”

In the magic dust of the moment, Borel spoke the words with such cool confidence that it seemed as if he had already made a reservation in the Belmont winner’s circle.

As the Preakness approaches, Borel’s prediction peaks the curiosity and arouses the hopes of many racing enthusiasts.

Doug Cauthen CEO of WinStar Farm

Racing fans have been dreaming of the next Triple Crown winner since Steve Cauthen rode into the history books with Affirmed in 1978.

Three decades later, Steve Cauthen’s younger brother holds the potential as President and CEO of WinStar Farm to deliver the twelfth Triple Crown winner in history with Super Saver.

Recently, I spoke with Doug Cauthen about Super Saver’s Kentucky Derby victory and the quest for the Triple Crown.

JW: Super Saver was the first horse owned and bred by WinStar Farm to win the Kentucky Derby. How does it feel to win your first Derby?

DC: It is truly hard to describe.

There was overwhelming joy, pride and thankfulness that Super Saver was able to do it.

To see so many people – from the owners, managers, grooms, maintenance crew, basically everybody – to get so much happiness and pride out of it is a real positive and satisfying thing.

I felt like we all should thank God for the victory.

JW: Your older brother, Hall of Fame Jockey Steve Cauthen, rode Affirmed to win the last Triple Crown in 1978. Do you think Super Saver could win the Triple Crown for your farm?

DC: I hope he can – I like Calvin’s prediction.

It was his Steve’s 50^th Birthday on Derby day, so I felt like we had a little bit of good ‘mojo’ going there - that maybe something could happen. When the clouds parted and the sun came out right before the race, I had a calm and peaceful feeling.

I’m not quite as aggressive as Calvin with my predictions, but I’m on his side.

JW: Super Saver is by Maria’s Mon – sire of the fastest living Kentucky Derby Winner, Monarchos. Was this a factor in your breeding decision?

DC: We were very fortunate. We got Super Saver as part of a deal.

We bought Super Saver’s mother, Supercharger, when she was carrying Super Saver at the 2006 Keeneland November Sale. We were very blessed to have Super Saver as part of the purchasing package.

Supercharger’s got a beautiful pedigree – it’s one of the best pedigrees in the Stud Book. Supercharger is a full sister to a mare that we already had, called “She’s a Winner,” who is the dam of Bluegrass Cat. He is a multiple Grade I winner that we own and was second in the Kentucky Derby.

I hope that Super Saver can continue forward. He’s a beautiful horse – a balanced horse – with a great pedigree.

His pedigree is from one of the royal pedigrees in the Stud Book. With all the horses that are popping out of it that are so good - currently and in the last thirty years – it’s just been a magnificent family.

Being by Maria’s Mon, he’s going to offer a lot of outcross for breeders as well. It is a real positive for the breed.

JW: What do you see at the strengths in Super Saver as a racehorse?

DC: He’s got tactical speed and is very agile.

He can make his own race. He can be on the lead or sit back behind.

He’s got a tremendous amount of determination – he’s a very gutsy horse.

You can see that in his earlier races this year and during his races last year as a two-year-old.

It’s a combination that’s not only good for a racehorse, but for future stallions, so we are really excited about that.

JW: What is the general temperament of Super Saver?

DC: When he was on the farm being raised, he was a popular horse with everybody. He always had a forward attitude and a positive temperament.

DC: I think Elliott Walden (Racing Manager at WinStar Farm) deserves a lot of credit on that choice.

Todd is one of our primary trainers and gets a lot of horses that we think have potential. The fact that he trained Super Saver’s cousin, Bluegrass Cat, may have factored into it a little also. But, it clearly was a good choice!

We thought Super Saver was one of our early potential runners. Elliott said that we should give him to Todd. That’s what we did.

With Calvin, he was the best available rider when he came to the Kentucky Jockey Club race. Elliott sought him out – or encouraged Todd to seek him out – and the rest is history.

Super Saver won the Jockey Club last year as a two-year-old real impressively. He broke the stakes record, which was over a hundred-year-old record.

Calvin just gets along with Super Saver well. It is great to have him on board.

JW: Did Calvin Borel hold any special allure to your farm as a jockey in light of his recent Kentucky Derby victories?

DC: There is no doubt that he is an exceptional rider anywhere.

At Churchill Downs, he has that extra “Calvin Factor,” as I like to call it.

He really has a high level of confidence and horses run for him. He deserves credit at any race track.

He’s certainly got some good current form and it would be crazy not to take advantage of that if you can get him on your horse.

JW: How do you feel about owning the horse that delivered Todd Pletcher his first Kentucky Derby victory?

DC: For the farm, I think it was a really big feeling of satisfaction and pride in Todd. He was one of the first guys that we gave horses to when we divided the horses up between trainers.

He’s one of the best trainers in the country and will go down as one of the best trainers in history.

It seems like the press was focusing on his [Kentucky Derby] record unduly. It was great to see him win it and even greater to see his humility in taking the win.

He is a class act.

It is always fun to see people like that succeed.

JW: How did your farm celebrate your first Kentucky Derby victory?

DC: We’ve had quite a few celebrations.

We try to do something before the Derby because you obviously can’t expect to win – and we don’t. We just go there with the best horses we can and do the best we can.

On Thursday, we had a farm picnic for all of the staff. We had games, piñatas and plenty of food.

On Friday, we had another pre-Derby gathering with all the managers with the owners. It was a very nice event.

After the victory, some neighbors at Castle Post kindly invited us to celebrate with a hundred of our favorite friends. They hosted a wonderful gathering. It was really kind of Mr. Post.

It was also a great pleasure to see the inside of the Castle. We use it as a landmark to tell people how to get to WinStar quite often. It was great to see it and it was quite a nice spot.

JW: Where is the Rose Garland?

DC: It is currently getting preserved.

Hopefully, it will reside in the office sometime soon.

The Saturday Post would like to thank Doug Cauthen for his interview. We also appreciate the image of Super Saver provided by www.horsephotos.com. To view the photos from the Kentucky Derby at horsephotos.com, please click here.