Arcangelo is Getting a Hefty Following

The other day, trainer Jenna Antonucci, aboard her pony, was accompanying Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Arcangelo back to her barn on the Oklahoma Training Track.They were on the horse path, walking through the picnic area when two women sprinted up to them.

They had just driven—driven!—to Saratoga Race Course from Alabama just hoping to get an up close and personal look at Arcangelo.

"That is a drive," Antonucci said. "All that way to see him!"

Earlier in the meet, Antonucci and Arcangelo, as always, with exercise rider Robert Mallari on board, stopped on the same path when a young couple, with an infant in tow, and allowed them to take a selfie with the big gray.

Arcangelo hasn't exactly become the Beatles, but his popularity has grown since he won the Belmont in June.

"He definitely has his own little groupies," Antonucci said with a laugh. "He has his people that are looking for him and championing him, so it's pretty cool. The horse is really cool in that he will give you a couple minutes and give you those little windows where you can let him stand for a second."

Antonucci likes the idea that people will make a long trek to see her Travers Stakes (G1) horse. She is flattered that a young family would think so much of the son of Arrogate that they would want to have a snapshot taken with him.

"In my opinion, we need to do better with the access that the fans get," she said. "Saratoga is obviously really unique. It was very sweet (with the Alabama women) and very kind. Those are the parts that I am very grateful for. I really appreciate it."