I don't really talk that much about the racing portion of the farm on this blog. I suppose its mostly because I'm constantly updating the farm page on a daily basis and it's all there. This post however is exclusively about my weekend at the Pegasus World Cup. I didn't go to cheer on the $7 million dollar turf race, nor the $9 million dollar dirt race... quite honestly I don't really care about the other horses unless I have a reason to. I was there to cheer on A.A. Azula's Arch, the queen of our farm who was running in the $200,000 undercard race, the La Prevoyante.
We had a fabulous time wining and dining and maybe praying that she wouldn't disgrace herself like she did her last time racing in the states (an 8th place finish in Chicago). Videos went up outlining how the race would be set up, who the runners were going to be, and who would likely win, place, and show. In a video and 4 articles, all created by racing experts from around North America, not one person put her on the board as a factor. Our hearts further sunk when she was listed at 45-1, the second least favourite of the race besides a filly who had never won a race in her life. To make matters even worse, the constant rain in Hallandale Beach, Florida soaked the track and turned the usually firm turf into mush - Azula's least favourite. Feeling defeated before she even walking into the paddock, we decided to enjoy the trip as much as possible since how many people get the chance to race their horse on Pegasus World Cup Day?
Though we felt depressed and pessimistic, out trainer too, we were still thrilled to cheer Azula on. When she walked into Gulfstream Park's paddock like a professional, we all relaxed. It was like she was saying;
"Yep, I know this is the biggest day of my life so far, I'm ready."
The jockey who was to ride her was the leading rider at Gulfstream Park, Luis Saez. He walked into the paddock in our silks, shook our hands, and then hopped up. They didn't even do a turn around the paddock, they went straight for the track.
We trotted behind and headed up to the grandstand to watch from the horseman's area. Biting our nails, we watched as Azula crossed onto the wet turf course and headed to the gate. 12 fillies and mares from the ages of 4-7 all loaded up. Graded winners, a champion, a millionaire, and Azula all broke well and proceeded to run 3 turns around the tiny inside turf course at Gulfstream Park. Azula got stuck a few times but Saez navigated her well and finished a very very respectable 4th (a nose from 3rd) and still beat out the champion, the multiple graded stakes winners, and the millionaire. We are super super proud of Azula and can't wait to return in March for her next race! She also paid for the whole trip which was very sweet of her lol.
Yes, there will be an Azula model one day, if she ever let's me cash in my bets on her!
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