IMPROBABLE LUCK IS GETTING HIS RACING LEGS
01 Oct 2024
After being purchased by BIGPLAY and MyRaceHorse, IL was sent to Shantaera Farms to begin his new life under the tutelage of Becky Maker. Becky built his routine with new elements added each day. Horses are creatures of habit and the same sequence must be understood and followed as the horse progresses. A good example was IL learning to have people touching his belly while putting a light strap and blanket over his back. That may not sound like much but it’s a big step in the mind of a horse. IL was a quick learner and, as he became acclimated, other equipment was added that he’ll encounter as he heads to the racetrack.
In early September, IL shipped to Churchill Downs and began studying to become a racehorse under the direction of legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas. D. Wayne first needed to get IL comfortable on the Churchill racetrack. That’s important as the sheer size and sounds are new while at the same time getting IL comfortable around hundreds of racehorses, at all different ages and levels. Winning racehorses are Alpha’s and some newbies shy away but D. Wayne liked what he’s saw and reported IL has energy, wants to run and is not afraid of the big boys. IL quickly became comfortable fast galloping and began preparing for his first real timed workout, called a breeze. A breeze is where the horse is asked to run without encouragement from the rider. It’s a barometer of a horses capability and desire. Great horses need to be held back where the lesser ones need to be asked for more.
On September 19, D. Wayne scheduled his first breeze. This is important because it’s an official timing at Churchill Downs and begins his speed training history. 12 seconds is the goal per 1 furlong. His 3 furlong work was 36:40, ranking him second out of the four horses timed at 3 furlongs that day. Not bad for his first time out. On September 26th, D. Wayne sent him on another 3 furlong breeze. This time he finished first, out of six, with a time of 34:40. D. Wayne liked his improvement but reported that he’s carrying a little more weight than he would like at this stage. From our perspective, IL looks like he may grow into being a big powerful racehorse.
IL’s daily routine starts with morning oats at 5am, dressing for the daily lesson, completing his actual work, cooling down, bathing, brushing, eating more oats and resting. In the afternoon, he gets play time with other horses then back in his stall for dinner and sleep. If this sounds mundane, racehorses love the routine and the great ones can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow. In our case sounds like D. Wayne may be cutting back on the afternoon oats!
In early September, IL shipped to Churchill Downs and began studying to become a racehorse under the direction of legendary trainer D. Wayne Lukas. D. Wayne first needed to get IL comfortable on the Churchill racetrack. That’s important as the sheer size and sounds are new while at the same time getting IL comfortable around hundreds of racehorses, at all different ages and levels. Winning racehorses are Alpha’s and some newbies shy away but D. Wayne liked what he’s saw and reported IL has energy, wants to run and is not afraid of the big boys. IL quickly became comfortable fast galloping and began preparing for his first real timed workout, called a breeze. A breeze is where the horse is asked to run without encouragement from the rider. It’s a barometer of a horses capability and desire. Great horses need to be held back where the lesser ones need to be asked for more.
On September 19, D. Wayne scheduled his first breeze. This is important because it’s an official timing at Churchill Downs and begins his speed training history. 12 seconds is the goal per 1 furlong. His 3 furlong work was 36:40, ranking him second out of the four horses timed at 3 furlongs that day. Not bad for his first time out. On September 26th, D. Wayne sent him on another 3 furlong breeze. This time he finished first, out of six, with a time of 34:40. D. Wayne liked his improvement but reported that he’s carrying a little more weight than he would like at this stage. From our perspective, IL looks like he may grow into being a big powerful racehorse.
IL’s daily routine starts with morning oats at 5am, dressing for the daily lesson, completing his actual work, cooling down, bathing, brushing, eating more oats and resting. In the afternoon, he gets play time with other horses then back in his stall for dinner and sleep. If this sounds mundane, racehorses love the routine and the great ones can’t wait to do it all again tomorrow. In our case sounds like D. Wayne may be cutting back on the afternoon oats!