We're kind of a working class group, from the trainer, the owner, the jockey. We don't come from the bluest of blood for horse racing, and that's okay. The horse matches that absolutely completely, right?

I had been riding on the coattails of this magnificent horse, always the underdog, who was one day away from becoming the true people’s champion.

He gave me an experience that I would have never dreamed possible, this unbelievable horse with the athleticism, mind, and heart of a creature that few of us ever have touch us face to face.

One of the hallmarks of this

horse is that he’s unflappable.

This is unbelievable. I know everyone says that, but it is unbelievable.

I really haven’t raced much at Keeneland, but I had a big thrill at the Keeneland sales: Her name is Havre de Grace. I took one look at her and after about 10 minutes I said she’s one of

those must-haves; she’s going home with us.

HAVRE DEGRACERick Porter

I have a lot of good memories of Keeneland. I pretty much bought all my good horses there.

Winning the Woodward last year with Havre de Grace - that was special. Receiving that trophy from Mr. Woodward’s grandson sort of put chills up my spine to know the heritage of the race and to be able to beat the boys.

She puts fire in my belly every time she races. She's just an amazing force that fits the name harbor of grace.

When I get a great horse, the most fun for me is going to the big races and enjoying the anticipation before the race and the excitement of the race.

When the year started, I certainly didn’t expect anything like this.

I am in this sport hoping to find graded stakes horses.

I have only been an owner since 2006. I feel that I’ve been very, very blessed to have this many thrills and runs. I have zero regrets.

BODEMEISTERAhmed Zayat

I have to say, with all honesty, this game can make you very humble. Bill Mott once said to me horses will make a liar out of you. They can train great in the morning and then do just the opposite in the afternoon. the opposite in the afternoon.

My kids say I’m happier around the horses.

One thing I learned from Bob Baffert, it’s 90% talent and 10% luck just to get to the Kentucky Derby. Once they open the gates, it’s 90% luck and 10% talent. I am very conscious of that. Once you put the saddle on, it’s totally out of our hands. I might as well enjoy the moment and have fun with it. It’s the prime event in our business and I feel very fortunate. It is a genuine thrill.

We are loving racing him, and I really believe Bodemeister is just getting started. I look forward to racing little Bodemeisters one day down the road.

I've been lucky to own three grade I winners by Empire

Maker, and Bodemeister is the most special because of the

enjoyment he has given to me and my family.

I love the barn in the a.m. as does everyone. As for routines it is just a quiet, almost spiritual, time for me.

DULLAHANJerry Crawford

The breeders/sellers of Dullahan came up to me as soon as I signed the ticket and said

Thank you...you just bought a Derby horse!

We were thrilled to make their words come true.

Defeating champion 2yo Hansen in the Toyota BG.

His win at the Dixiana Futurity is my favorite win of all time. We had been to the Derby with Paddy O’Prado just over a year earlier. When Dullahan won the Grade I at age two I knew we were going back and we would hear less of the “those folks are sure lucky.”

Success in Thoroughbred racing creates an opportunity to share world class experiences with people we love and care about. I’m not sure there is anything better than that.

When we flew home from Lexington after the Toyota Blue Grass Stakes people on the plane started chanting “Dullahan, Dullahan!”

For most stakes races, we travel with a group of more than 200, including this year’s Toyota Blue Grass Stakes when we beat the very talented Hansen for the victory.

I like bidding with E.C.But we have to changeit up sometimes.

Closest I will ever come to feeling like a Rock Star ;)

Check back for more inspiring winners’

stories...

SOURCES:

BloodHorse.com, Paulick Report, ESPN, WTVQ, The Hunt Magazine