The date Friday, April 7th, 2023, will forever be a date that I remember as a Happy Day. It was not only my Dad’s 85th birthday, but it marked a huge milestone in my thoroughbred breeding journey, a journey that started 13 years ago.
In a matter of seconds, as Defining Purpose crossed the wire, I experienced an explosion of emotion. Did we just win the G1 Ashland Stakes? Defining Purpose, a 3 yr old filly I bred out of my mare, Defining Hope, delivered an upset at odds of 20-1 to win the G1 Ashland Stakes. I couldn’t be more thrilled to share this achievement with the filly’s other owners along with 20,000 people at Keeneland.
It didn’t matter that we were not a morning line favorite and that we were a long shot going into the race. What did matter, was the opportunity that we had in front of us that day. It was a gentle reminder to me that life is short and that we need to seize the day and take what opportunities come our way.
With that, I’d like to thank Kenny and Sherri McPeek and the other owners for giving Defining Purpose the opportunity. Also, I’d like to thank Margaux Farm who foaled, raised and developed the filly. Foremost, I’d like to thank Cecil Seaman and staff for recommending the breeding. So you see, it takes a village.
How much more can we accomplish when we come together for a purpose?
A win like this is due to the efforts of so many people, from the farms, the trainers and assistants, the jockeys, the stables, the grooms, the exercise riders, the track, the veterinarians, and the farriers.
Perhaps Defining Purpose can be a reminder of the common purpose that we work toward daily in the thoroughbred industry. So grateful for the “Thoroughbred village” and for our next opportunity on May 5th in the Kentucky Oaks.
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