What a Ride: Kentucky Oaks Trail Comes to an End

The festivities leading up to the Oaks/Derby week have waned, the races are over, and so marks the end of an amazing (4) month long Road to the Oaks.
In some respects, it feels like I just blinked and it is over, yet on the other hand, it feels like it’s been a long ride! The journey was such a learning experience for me. After the Martha Washington and Honeybee, Kenny was already looking forward to her new opportunity, the Ashland.
Being a part of Defining Purpose’s journey to the Oaks felt surreal especially since her win on April 7th in the Ashland at Keeneland. It felt like our ownership group and our filly went from zero to 100 instantly. We went from number 40 on the Oaks leaderboard to number 3 with that one race! Being a part of the journey with our group was a pleasant reminder to enjoy each moment and make the most of each opportunity. Isn’t it amazing how an animal like the horse can bring people together to celebrate its strength and courage?
Even though the race didn’t play out the way we had hoped, we are proud of Defining Purpose. Her win in the Ashland showed that she earned a spot in the Oaks and that she deserved to be there. We are all looking forward to her future races.
I want to thank Kenny and Sherri McPeek, Greg and barn staff, Kevin, Ray, Brian, Alan, Shawn, Shelby, Margaux and Spendthrift Farms, Sarah, Cecil Seaman, Michael, and the other owners for the incredible opportunity.
Lastly, I want to congratulate Godolphin on their long- awaited victory in the Kentucky Oaks.