Looking back over 2023, it was most definitely a year of blessings, opportunities and new beginnings.
The year started off with Defining Purpose winning the Year’s End Stakes at Oaklawn on the December 31st, 2022. This race landed her in the Martha Washington, and the Honeybee where she was able to acquire points on the Kentucky Oaks trail. It was neat being able to read articles about Defining Purpose and her journey on the Oaks trail. And it truly never gets old watching and reading about any of our horses journeys. But it was after the Honeybee, Kenny decided to enter Defining Purpose in the G1 Ashland at Keeneland, where she wound up running her best race of 2023 and winning at odds of 20-1.
I won’t ever forget the videos of those who were jumping for joy when they saw Defining Purpose cross the finish line. And with the win of the G1 Ashland, this allowed her the opportunity to run in the Kentucky Oaks. As a breeder, owner and enthusiast of the sport, I always dreamed of competing in the Classics in graded company. The month leading up to the Kentucky Oaks was exciting and a little nerve-racking, but overall incredibly surreal. It is an experience that I will always be grateful for and always treasure.
Following the Oaks, an offer to purchase Defining Purpose was received and accepted from Katsumi Yoshida. I am honored that she garnered his attention and look forward to seeing her progeny race in Japan and perhaps internationally.
The year also started out with Defining Hope foaling a filly out of Csaba, a son of Kitten’s Joy, standing in Indiana. The filly, officially named Our Shared Hope, is a spunky, strong, leggy filly. She was racing around her mother in the stall at just a few days old. I am definitely looking forward to seeing how she grows and develops as a yearling.
Early summer we learned that 4 yr. old Everything’s Rosy, out of Blueskiesnrainbows, had been retired to start a career as a broodmare. And late summer, we learned 8 yr. old gelding Uphold, out of Lentenor, full brother to Barbaro, had retired to start a second career. Both horses were great to watch on the race track but we are even more excited for their second careers.
July marked another graded win for Defining Purpose and her new owner Katsumi Yoshida. We got to witness the race in person when Defining Purpose won the G3 Indiana Oaks on the same track that her dam, Defining Hope won at. Seeing both mother and daughter dominate the field over the same track was another great memory of 2023.
The end of summer marked a time for breaking and starting for yearling Bold Prayer out of Prayer for Relief and On the Point. Bold Prayer is at Dermot Littlefield’s Fernhill Stables. Dermot broke and started Defining Hope, and Uphold, while at Margaux Farm. He is quite familiar with the family and I’m so grateful to be working with him again.
The fall marked a return to training for Defining Joy, our 2 yr. old filly out of Runhappy. She is currently at Oaklawn training to make her debut. She seems happy to be on the track and we can’t wait to see how her story continues.
So needless to say 2023 has been a massive year for On The Point Stable. Onward – let us toast to the New Year 2024 and embrace all of its possibilities. More opportunities and experiences await!
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