With snow falling here in Saratoga Springs, NY today, my mind has wandered to Ocala, Florida and our (Woodford Racing) recent horse purchases. All six of the yearlings (one year old) we purchased at the Keeneland September Sale are in Ocala, Florida learning to be racehorses.
Learning to be a racehorse is a lengthy process with many steps. In our case, the process is being handled by the McKathan Brothers which is a very successful operation used by many of the premier racing groups. Early on the process includes getting accustomed to having a saddle and then an exercise rider on their backs, learning rider instructions, galloping, etc. Many long, slow gallops will enable them to develop a solid stamina foundation.
Regardless of when they were born, all horses celebrate their birthday on January 1st. This means our horses will shortly turn 2 years old which is when most horses begin competitive racing. The horses will continue their development in Florida until sometime in May and then head North to their trainer, Chad Brown. Chad’s operation will introduce speed to the horses’ workouts, familiarize them with the surroundings of the racetrack, how to enter and leave the starting gate and other facets that will allow them to start racing.
Each of the horses was selected based on their breeding, physical appearance, and veterinarian inspection. From a breeding perspective, we are excited to have purchased two colts sired by Uncle Mo and one each by Curlin, Giants Causeway, Speightstown and Orb. One measure of potential is how other horses by these sires are doing on the racetrack. Through November, based on the 2016 earnings of their offspring, Uncle Mo is ranked #2, Curlin is #3, Giant’s Causeway is #8 and Speightstown is #16. Orb is a Kentucky Derby winner and his first crop of foals are beginning their racing careers in 2016.
Uncle Mo – Greenback Forest
Uncle Mo – Magical Victory
Uncle Mo – Magical Victory
(Keeneland September Uncle Mo Sale Topper)
Curlin – Arania
Giant’s Causeway – Spunoutofcontrol
Speightstown – Night and Day
Orb – Nicky’s Way
A lot can happen between now and when each horse begins to race but it is certainly exciting to think about the possibilities!