Q&A with Sam Britt, Rancher and Racehorse Owner
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Photos courtesy of Sam Britt
Sam Britt has been a horse racing fan since he visited La Mesa Park in New Mexico in the 1950s. A longtime Thoroughbred owner, Britt enjoyed a sweet victory earlier this summer at Del Mar when Gabriel Charles, a horse he owns in partnership with Michael House, won the Grade 1 Eddie Read Stakes on July 18. Britt, who also made an appearance in the movie “50 to 1,” took a few minutes to chat with America’s Best Racing about his best moment in the sport, his philosophy on life, his favorite movie and much more …
Name: Sam P. Britt
What I do for a living: I am a cattle rancher. We have a cow/calf operation.
How and when I was introduced to Thoroughbred racing: In 1954, through my dad and brother who had Thoroughbred racehorses.
My favorite racetrack: My all-time favorite was La Mesa Park in Raton, N.M. That is where my love for racing began. That racetrack is no longer operating. My favorite racetrack today is Del Mar!
My favorite Thoroughbred racing event: The Kentucky Derby
Other sports/teams I follow: Boxing would be my next favorite to horse racing, then NFL football.
What I would like to see more of in Thoroughbred racing: Good media coverage
What I would like to see less of in Thoroughbred racing: Bob Baffert
Three words that define what Thoroughbred racing means to me: Fun to compete
First Thoroughbred track I ever attended was: La Mesa Park in Raton, N.M.
Favorite all-time Thoroughbred: Swaps
My personal best moment in the sport of Thoroughbred racing: When my horse Rare Ruby won the Primadona Stakes at Oaklawn Park in 1991.
Best racetrack food can be found at: The Oyster Bar at Oaklawn Park
My favorite jockey: I have three: Mike Smith, Tyler Baze, and Kenny Jones (no longer rides)
My favorite trainer: I have two: Jeff Mullins, my current trainer; and Don von Hemel, my trainer in the 1970s and 1980s.
My heroes: Andrew Jackson
Person in Thoroughbred racing I’d like to have dinner with: Bull Hancock, the past general manager at Claiborne Farm
My philosophy on life: Give thanks to Almighty God for all the good things in your life. Ask for his guidance to do the right thing, and for strength when the suffering comes, and it will — it is just a part of this life on earth.
Favorite quote or motto: No risk it, no biscuit!
Favorite animal other than a horse: A dog, I had Saint Bernards growing up.
Favorite non-Thoroughbred racing sports event I have attended: The World Series in 1953
Favorite food: Beef steak
Favorite vacation spot: Del Mar
Favorite city: New York City in the 1950s
Favorite musician/band: Dean Martin and Don Williams
Favorite all-time movie(s): “How the West Was Won”
Favorite TV show: HRTV (before TVG bought it out)
Favorite hotel: The Brown Palace in Denver, Colo.
Websites I visit daily: DRF.com
What I drive: Lexus
Pet peeve: Disrespect for our American flag!
Favorite movie about horse racing: “50 to 1”
Which actor would play me in a movie: Gary Cooper (none of today’s actors)
Alma Mater: Colorado State University
Best Book I recently read: “The Killing of Patton”
Favorite memento: My belt buckle. It has an image of Pasamonte Paul, my first good racehorse. He was a Quarter Horse that I raced at LaMesa Park in Raton, N.M.
Favorite dessert: My wife’s apple pie
Favorite drink: Glenlivet on the rocks
Favorite scent: Brut
What I like about my job: I am the boss
Favorite Tech gadget: My iPad
No. 1 bucket-list item: To win the Kentucky Derby!!!!
Can you share your experience of winning a stake race at the renowned racetrack founded by Bing Crosby? It was one of the greatest thrills of my life!!