remember my grand reward that I gelded?

[doublete]

He started racing, and finished 2nd in his first ever start. I was SO proud of him! It was only at Timonium for $25,000 claiming, but he behaved like a prince, finished like a champion, and I couldn't have been more pleased. He's really not a 4 furlong horse, but that's all they had and it was a good first experience for him. He was perfect in the paddock, perfect for the pony (she actually said he is now her favorite horse), perfect in the gate even when the horse two away from him started shaking the gate, and broke sharply, also went up the inside when asked by the rider who thank goodness trusted me when I told him I've schooled the horse to go through holes, and have put him where he'll get dirt in his face. I bought him as a yearling, broke him myself, did all of his gate schooling and getting his gate card myself, and worked him all but a few times myself.

I've noticed the Grand Rewards are doing pretty well too! I really couldn't be happier with my Mid Atlantic sale purchase from last year. In his race that day the winner was a Grand Reward as well.. What are the odds of that?

I've been trying to enter him in a turf race going 5 1/2 furlongs, but it hasn't gone so far. I have such high hopes for this boy, and he is officially spoiled rotten. His jockey even feeds him cookies (he has a bag of ginger snaps by his stall). And fights with me over who will get on him in the morning. I got to work him yesterday though! Ha!

I just had to share.. small victories, but oh so wonderful!!!

My other yearling purchases haven't been quite so good. My Fantasticat came up with a shin in her first start which I wasn't terribly happy about, but she's a big horse so giving her time to grow is not the worst thing in the world. My Leroidesanimaux is still at the farm growing and I won't even start her training till probably November. And my Alex's Pal has run, but she is one of those slow as molasses ones that needs a distance race and they just don't write mile races for 2 year olds.

[foothillsequine]

Congrats to you! It's always nice when they pay for themselves, and even nicer when you have the satisfaction of starting them yourself! Sounds like you did a great job!

[Derby Lyn]

Please keep us updated on him...sounds exciting. Good Luck!

[Nessa]

Yaaaa! I'm glad your enjoying the experience, have more fun.

[madelyn]

I *love* success stories like that!

I remember one of mine like that - I purchased a yearling filly by Acceptable at F-T Kentucky October for $1,000. I sold her off the farm a few months later saddle broke, and had named her La Rockette. While I made a nice tidy profit, she went on to win over $96K.

[zinn21]

I think there is a Grand Reward in the Futurity tomorrow at Belmont. I believe Gary Contessa trains.

[Lisann]

Best of luck to you, doublete! I look forward to hearing more from you.