But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
Isaiah 40:31
Where the Journey Started to Take Flight
Defining Hope was my first experience getting a horse to the track in 2016. It was a rather intimidating process, but I was able to reach out to some long-time horsemen who really helped guide me.
Defining Hope was bred, foaled and raised at Dr. Roger Beam’s Midwest Equine and Veterinary Hospital. When she was 18 months old, she was sent to Margaux Farm for breaking and starting. Hope was sent as a 2 yr old to trainer Barbara McBride who had gained a reputation over the years as being a good trainer of young horses and that she was.
Hope raced under Barb during her 2 and 3 yr. old campaigns and won champion honors both years. I remember the butterflies that I had the day of Hope’s 1st race. Everyone told me that horses normally don’t win their first time out. I was so nervous during the post parade and during gate loading. I even found myself looking away at times during the race!
But as Hope rounded the turn into the final stretch, she pulled away from the group and kept charging to win by 5 lengths! I stood there at first in disbelief and then I starting jumping and cheering. It was at this point that I felt I was moving in the right direction.