BH Daily Letters to the Editor, May 15 Issue

Celebrating Derby Double for Bridlewood, Florida

What a ride. What a feeling. What an unbelievable journey to play a part in Florida's racing legacy. 

I couldn't be more proud of Bridlewood graduates Sovereignty  and Journalism  finishing 1-2 in the 2025 Kentucky Derby—and another in the top 10 with East Avenue . Now that I've had a moment to reflect, I can say with certainty that this finish wasn't luck. It was a testament to Florida's standing as a hub for racing excellence.

Florida, and particularly Ocala, has long been a cradle for champions. With abundant sunshine, ideal soil, mineral-rich spring water, and an unmatched concentration of top-tier trainers and horsemen, Central Florida offers the perfect environment to develop elite Thoroughbreds. These conditions—combined with generations of expertise—form a recipe for success that's as consistent as it is extraordinary.

Bridlewood Farm has worked hard to become a nationally premier destination for schooling and training the best young horses each fall. This year's Derby results endorse that effort. Sovereignty and East Avenue are Kentucky horses from Godolphin—a global racing empire—that came to Bridlewood for one reason: The global industry knows Florida produces results. I could not be more proud of our farm trainer, Meda Murphy, and her team for producing great results for our clients each and every year. 

This year, 13 of the 19 Kentucky Derby contenders had Florida ties—whether trained, raced, or raised here. Florida's nationally competitive racetracks, renowned competition such as the Florida Derby, and robust infrastructure built by multigenerational family farms make this possible. Thanks to this foundation, Florida's Thoroughbred industry contributes $3.24 billion to the state's economy annually, including more than $180 million of commerce through the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company alone.

For me, Florida has always represented my American dream. As general manager of Bridlewood Farm, I've built a life here doing what I love—and long have planned for the day my son Blaine will continue the legacy. But our story is just one of many. Florida's strength lies in its community of horsemen and women, farms big and small, all contributing to a shared future. 

The key to continued success? Work hard and double down on what makes Florida Thoroughbreds great. With the right resources and support, tomorrow's national champions will forever emerge from the Sunshine State. 

George Isaacs

General manager, Bridlewood Farm

Triple Crown Tracks Need to Make Changes

Bill Mott keeping Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty out of the Preakness Stakes is another blow to fan interest in horse racing. 

Since there has been concern for years that there is not enough time between races for the horses competing in the Triple Crown, the decision Mott made should not have come as that big of a surprise to Churchill Downs, Pimlico Race Course, and Belmont Park. Now the question is whether Churchill Downs, Pimlico, and Belmont will finally consider changing the format of the Triple Crown, not only for the well-being of the horses, but also to increase fan interest in Thoroughbred racing. 

Without horses competing for the Triple Crown, fan interest in Thoroughbred racing in North America is likely doomed. No matter what the changes are, Churchill Downs, Pimlico, and Belmont need to do something to prevent Bill Mott from having to make the decision that he did.

Layton L. Register

Charleston, S.C.

Triple Crown Schedule Should Remain in Place

As a fan of horse racing for over five decades I know that there have been changes to the Triple Crown schedule for many reasons, usually driven by world affairs: World Wars, physical construction, and global pandemics, to name a few.

But the persistent call for the races to be spaced further apart because it's not how most trainers run as a typical campaign for their horses is a discussion not needed. Like so many debates in the sport today, it's driven by people with no industry connections or perspective.

Some say the horses today can't hold up to the challenge, but two have accomplished the feat since the new century began. In my opinion, if any change is made, it would only be to make the three races three weeks apart, which would maintain some semblance of an endurance challenge.

If the races were put four or five weeks apart, that would make the pursuit no more challenging than any common stakes race target. It's supposed to be hard. There's no challenge if you're not working harder to achieve the goal.

Barbara Adams

Little Rock, Ark.