Maryland in the Winner's Circle

Nearly 165,000 attended the Kentucky Derby yesterday.  It was a record crowd for a thrilling horse race on a beautiful day.  And when the chestnut colt trotted to the Winner's Circle for his blanket of roses, there were cheers all around the State of Maryland.  For although Animal Kingdom was born and bred elsewhere, he has spent his career living and training at Fair Hill.

His trainer, Graham Motion, is a native of Great Britain, but earned his reputation over twenty years of training in Laurel, Bowie and Fair Hill.  Just last November, he saddled Shared Account, the two year old filly who won the Breeders Cup turf event for Sagamore Farm in Glyndon.

The Maryland connection is a major boost for interest in the Preakness Stakes, and in the greater Maryland horse industry.  Part of the romance and great passion for thoroughbred horse racing comes from the compelling stories that surround the athletes (those with hooves and those wearing silks) and their teams. 

Animal Kingdom, an understudy who had never run a dirt track, stepped up when stablemate and favorite Toby's Corner turned lame.  Even AK's jockey had some bad luck, breaking a nose when tossed in an earlier race.  But despite the handicaps, Animal Kingdom won an astonishing race on unfamiliar footing with a pinch-hitting rider.

Terry had the opportunity to chat with Toby's Corner when he and the Merry Marketeers visited Fair Hill a few weeks ago.  Toby was in fine form at the time, and sent Terry a positive vibe about his chances in Derby.

Unfortunately, he didn't mention anything about his gimpy gam or put in a word for the redhead in the next stall, so Terry missed the chance to hit on the 20-1 shot when Toby was scratched.

But we'll all get another chance to do so in two weeks.  Increased interest in the Derby and renewed interest in the Maryland industry will hopefully spike attendance at Pimlico.  In the meantime, congratulations to Animal Kingdom, Graham Motion and Fair Hill for keeping Maryland's name out there.