When it comes to our horses, Thoroughbred fans are the first ones to defend our beloved breed’s honor. Owners pour thousands into making sure that their horses have the best care that money can buy and trainers often handle animals worth millions of dollars in racing and breeding futures.
However, what happens if the horse doesn’t pan out like his more successful counterparts? What happens when the owner is only in the game for the racing and not the breeding or retraining parts?
When Songbird retired, there was debate among the community as to who would be the lucky party to purchase one of the most successful mares to ever go through a sales ring. The public had already set their sights, and their hopes, on Mandy Pope; she had purchased Groupie Doll, Havre de Grace, and Plum Pretty in years prior, so would she do it again?
“Don’t meet your heroes, you’ll wind up disappointed.”
“The expectation is better than the reality.”
Churchill Downs plays host to many great events: the Kentucky Derby, the Breeders’ Cup, and prep races for their first weekend in May that draw thousands beneath the twin spires. In a matter of hours, millions of dollars in purses will exchange hands or will be wagered online through apps and live-streaming services.
