The 2022 Kentucky Derby was one for the record books. Rich Strike, an 80-1 shot, came from way behind to win the Kentucky Derby in an absolutely thrilling run for the roses. Seeing this former claiming horse (the first claimer to ever win the Kentucky Derby), who had only won 1 of his 7 previous starts, owned by a first-time Derby owner, trained by a first-time Derby trainer, ridden by a first-time Derby jockey gave hope to small racing operations everywhere (including Buena Vista Racing) that “maybe, maybe someday that could be us.”
Growing up in Kentucky, it’s hard not to be enchanted by the Kentucky Derby. When Ben and I were invited to join with a small group of partners to claim a horse back in 2017, a group that has grown into Buena Vista Racing, we jumped at the chance. And when the horse we claimed, Cat’s in the Mood (“Gumbo”), won his next race out, we were pinching ourselves – here were two kids from very modest upbringings in rural Kentucky standing in the winner’s circle of a thoroughbred horse race. We were hooked.
Over the past 5 years, we’ve learned that owning race horses is not for the faint of heart. We’ve written more checks than we’ve cashed. But we always think “maybe.”
We had high hopes for Warrior’s Passion (“Deuce”), a big strong bay, with tremendous strength, talent and heart. He took Ben and me to Churchill Downs as owners for the very first time. He didn’t do well on a sloppy track in that race, but after he came in second at his next race there, we were really thinking “maybe.” I was over the moon when I got to lead him from his stall at the track to the trailer.
But the next morning, our heartbroken trainer Larry Holt broke our hearts with the news that Deuce had come up lame after the race. X-rays revealed he had chipped a knee. He would be fine after some rest and rehab, but he was done with racing.
And we thought “maybe” with To Honor and Serve (“Diva”). Because Larry retired after we retired Warrior’s Passion, we put Diva in training with Michelle Lovell at Churchill Downs. But this beauty never raced. She injured a tendon, and racing her would have run the risk she could bow it. She would be fine, but she needed rest and rehab. She was done with racing before she’s even started.
We really thought “maybe” in 2019. Our partnership owned a half sister to Maximum Security, so when he won the 2019 Kentucky Derby, we were giddy with what this could mean for the value and possibilities for our filly New Year’s Delight. Maybe? But our hopes were dashed almost immediately when Maximum Security was disqualified. The interest that had been building around her dropped off dramatically. So maybe not. Again.
But seeing Rich Strike and his connections win the 2022 Kentucky Derby fed our dream a healthy dose of much-needed “maybe.” Maybe for “Minnie,” a Daddy Long Legs filly and the first horse Ben and I have been a part of breeding, who is in Ocala preparing for the OBS sale.
Maybe for “Daisy,” our yearling Tale of Ekati filly.
Maybe for “Baby Belle,” our baby Flameaway filly.
Maybe.
NOTE
I am well aware that there are people who think horse racing is abusive and should be abolished. And while I acknowledge that changes may be needed (and as I learn more about training my personal horse, I even have some ideas about how those changes could be accomplished) and while there is always room for improvement, I know there are plenty of people like us who really, deeply love these horses and always do right by them, including all of the trainers we have worked with. This is not the place for bashing the industry, and any such comments will not be posted.
Also, if you think you will change anyone’s mind by bashing their beliefs or behavior, I invite you to follow this website for ideas about more constructive ways to get what you want out of life.
