Jockey World A Horse Racing Community Network For Learning & Sharing

Dawn’s first light broke undisturbed, the quiet brilliance of a Sunday morning rising behind the trees and spilling into the lake below. Inside the house, all was similarly silent. It was on this morning I woke, rising with the sun as my family slept.

I drank my orange juice, shrugged on my day clothes and pulled on my farm shoes. I stepped out into the new day; a hot summer morning heavy with moist air. Temperatures already promised of yet another scorching July Georgia day.

Like any normal day, I fed the goats, dumped horse grain, and filled waters. I gave my thoroughbred, Polka, a kiss on the muzzle and sarcastically warned the one-eyed, thirty-year-old gelding not to stir up any trouble while I was gone.

Despite the masquerade of normalcy, this wasn’t just any other day. This was the day I would embark on a journey into my dreams.

All chores complete, bags packed, my mother and I climbed into the car. Mom took one last examination of the roadmap charting out our drive to Kentucky.

I impatiently implored my mother, “Come on! Let’s agitate the gravel!”

Mom glanced over to me, dryly replying, “Our driveway is cement.”

She then turned to give my dad and sister a final good-bye, and soberly said, “It’s going to be a long eight hours.”

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I introduced myself to Kentucky two years prior when I visited Keeneland on opening day for their fall meet. The magic of that weekend was similar to meeting a life-long pen pal. The anticipation of seeing my “friend” again made me smile from every cell in my body.

Being the helpful “co-driver” that I am, I made sure to keep my mother updated on our progress every step of the way. “232 miles to Lexington!” “198 Miles to Lexington!” “163 Miles to Lexington!” “121 Miles to Lexington!” “72 Miles to Lexington!” “31 Miles to Lexington!”

I could feel instinctively my relationship with Kentucky was about to “go to the next level”. On the schedule was a visit to Taylor Made and to attend Fasig-Tipton’s July yearling sale. With no set expectations, I was ready to absorb and savor the experience.

 

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As we turned into the Taylor Made entrance, I could only think of the short distance between me and Eskendereya - the brilliant powerhouse that has been one of my equine idols, catching my first attention in his 2009 maiden run. As the true Triple Crown hopeful was scratched days before the Kentucky Derby, I cried tears of sadness. But standing before him that day, I felt like crying tears of joy, awestricken by the genuine significance of the ‘what could have been’.

Tina Miller, Stallion Executive Assistant, graciously hosted the Taylor Made parade of Eskendereya, the legendary stallion Unbridled’s Song, and the very “in-fashion” Forestry. Tina’s friendly nature instantly made us feel at home among the grandeur of our surroundings, never rushing, every moment feeling as if she was glad to be with us. It made for a euphoric morning - the first of an extraordinary trip.

 

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The horses are Kentucky’s crown jewel. However, it does not take long to realize that without the people, there would not be a crown. Spending the afternoon at Fasig-Tipton’s Newtown Paddocks proved that point.

We were kindly escorted by Taylor Made’s Director of Marketing, Patrick Mahan, into the Taylor Made tent. There we found Mark Taylor, VP of Public Sales; and bloodstock agent Buzz Chace. Within a few surreal moments I was speaking with two influential people in the horseracing industry.

Later in the day, I was seated on a park bench beside Frank Taylor, VP of Taylor Made’s Boarding Operations. While I ate orange sherbet from a cup, he shared stories of Unbridled’s Song’s auction history. Hearing about these events firsthand was particularly interesting and enriched what I had previously researched.

A few moments later I was pulled away by Mark Taylor who wanted to introduce me to “someone”. As we walked through to the other side of the barn, he said, “I want to introduce you to Carl Nafzger.”

Astounded, I said, “What?”

“Do you know who that is?” he asked.

“Yes. I know who that is!”

This would be one of many moments in this day that caused me to question my level of consciousness. ‘Dream? No…awake.’

I was humbled by meeting Mr. Nafzger and his wife, Wanda. The two-time Kentucky Derby winner and Eclipse award winning trainer kindly inquired about my blog, and I still wonder if I was successful in stringing together a cohesive response. They graciously accepted one of my cards. Carl Nafzger has MY card! Simply put: Totally cool!

 

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What better way to wrap up my time in Kentucky than visit my favorite track and have breakfast with Julie Balog, Keeneland’s Director of Communications. Julie was one of the ‘first responders’ to Bits N’ Bunny with words of support and encouragement. I was looking forward to meeting and thanking her personally.

We met Julie at Keeneland’s Track Kitchen, filled with the lively activity of steadily flowing foot-traffic. With no on-going racing, there still was a buzz around the track. As we headed up to the counter to order, Julie stopped to introduce me to a tall, friendly gentleman; the legendary Ted Bassett, who has been Keeneland’s Chairman of the Board and Trustee for over forty years!

I was standing in the pages of my favorite books. Blinking hard at times, I had to remind myself that this was real. I was mesmerized not only by the horses that I was fortunate enough to meet, but the people I met.

 

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I shamefully confess I never expected the people I met to be so generous with their time, gracious with their kindness, and genuine with their personality. The thrill of such a surprise has fueled my optimism for the horseracing industry. I left Kentucky inspired to continue to follow my heart, staying true for the good of the horse, the good of the people, and the good of the sport.

My heartfelt thanks to you all! See you on the backstretch!