Owners Remember BC Triumphs at Conference

When Jaime Roth accepted the OwnerView 2016 New Owner of the Year Award at the end of the Nov. 1 Thoroughbred Owner Conference panel on Breeders' Cup-winning owners at Santa Anita Park, moderator Simon Bray sat her down next to panelist Barbara Banke.

"It's kind of full-circle sitting next to Barbara," Roth said. "In 2012, I came to my parents with this crazy idea to start a small broodmare operation, all because I fell in love with Rachel Alexandra. She was a filly beating up on the boys. I thought she was the coolest horse ever."

"I think great, great horses like Rachel have the ability to inspire," Banke said.

Banke and the other panelists described the exhilaration of their Breeders' Cup victories to those attending the conference. When Bray asked each of them to write down a couple words that epitomized their Breeders' Cup victories, the answers were varied.

"Excitement," said Banke, who raced 2007 Breeders' Cup Classic Powered by Dodge (gr. I) winner Curlin  . "And sire potential—Curlin has five runners in the races this weekend. That is your ticket to cash flow."

"Humility," said Ken Kinakin, who won the 2009 Breeders' Cup Sprint (gr. I) with Dancing In Silks. "It taught me to be humble. It's a feeling like none other."

Dean Reeves, who won the 2013 Classic with Mucho Macho Man  , said it was a "milestone" for him and everyone involved with the horse. He praised "the commitment that so many people made on our behalf to get this horse to this race."

John Amerman called Adoration's victory in the 2003 Breeders' Cup Distaff (gr. I) "the ultimate thrill." Like every member of the panel, he watched the tape of his horse winning the Breeders' Cup when Bray introduced each panelist. "When I see that tape again, I realize why I love this wonderful sport."

Billy Koch, co-founder of the Little Red Feather Racing partnership group, won the 2004 Breeders' Cup Mile (gr. IT) with Singletary. He boiled the experience down to the word "everything."

"This is the pinnacle. This is why we're here," Koch said. "It doesn't matter if you're a sheik or a plumber—you can enjoy this game."

The panelists advised new owners to build a team that works together well and that the owner can trust.

"You have to surround yourself with good people who have your best interests in mind," Koch said.

Banke added that should include trainers who "will take care of your horse." She pointed out that trainer Kiaran McLaughlin recently conferred with Banke about Cavorting, who was pointing for this year's Distaff.

"The injury is minor, but that communication saved her from (further) injury," Banke said. "It's wonderful. It means he was looking out for our horse."

Reeves agreed, saying he talks with his trainer, Kathy Ritvo, every day.

"We have this understanding that it's open communication," Reeves said. "If I have something to say, I can say it. It keeps me involved. It helps us in going through the ups and downs, because it's hard for a trainer to give bad news."

Amerman recommended that people interested in racehorse ownership should think about first joining a syndicate.

"If you do a little bit of research, you'll find a very good syndicate," Amerman said. "With relatively little investment, you can learn an awful lot about Thoroughbred racing."

It is also a way to have a fun communal experience, as Koch pointed out.

"The look on the partners' face when we win is the sole reason that I'm here," he said.