In the mix of controversy scandal and disappointment there was a shining light that emerged after the Kentucky Derby was over.
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| photo by Sam Mallon/Getty Images |
Just days Before the 2023 Kentucky Derby, pandemonium broke out as word leaked out of horses dying at Churchill Downs. It seemed pretty obvious to many that more attention was being paid to trainer Saffie Joseph jr than any of the other trainers who had horses that died in the wild and confusing circumstances. Eventually, it all led to the suspension of the trainer by Churchill Downs and his horse Lord Miles being scratched from the derby. That story still needs to be told because the entire situation just felt a bit murky and highly awkward.
Horses who died
- Wild On Ice - Joel Marr
- Take Charge Briana - D. Wayne Lukas
- Code of Kings - Tim Glyshaw
- Parents Pride - Saffie Joseph Jr.
- Chasing Artie - Saffie Joseph Jr.
- Chloe's Dream - Jeff Hiles
- Freezing Point - Joe Lejzerowicz
With the world watching America's biggest horse race the mood was different even as the favorite Forte was scratched just moments before the race and somehow went on unnoticed.
Mage was the one horse that some people felt could put down Forte but was written off by the public since professional handicappers felt he needed more experience to win a race like the Kentucky Derby. Mage eventually went off at odds of 15-1 and won by a commanding lead.
Well, he proved them wrong and made 391 people very happy who all had shares in the syndicate which owns the horse.
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| photo by ANNE M.EBERHARDT |
The rumor has it that persons were allowed to buy into the syndicate with as little as $50.
With two major races of the triple crown title still to go I can only hope that Mage will win those other two races as well to put smiles on the faces of those people who were very emotional as the winner's circle filled up.
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