What attracted you to the horse racing industry?
Jim bought a horse in 2014 for barrel racing. Friends who went with him to check out the horse noticed it had raced a few times, never doing better than 5th, but had good breeding with Mr. Jess Perry being the sire’s sire. Our friend, who had his training license, talked us into letting him train her for 30 days then enter her. She won! The first race we ever entered and we went to the winner’s circle. We were hooked!
What aspect of horse racing do you enjoy the most?
We have really enjoyed making so many new friends since we started racing. Of course, the anticipation and excitement of the race is fantastic, but we truly enjoy the social aspect. I’m a city girl transplant, and know very little about horses other than how to brush and love on them! I always prepare a meal on race day and take it to the track for us, our trainer, her boyfriend (who is the assistant starter), the grooms, and jockeys. I figure that’s my contribution to the race effort!
Why did you join the Wasabi Ventures Co-Owner Club?
We actually joined by winning the contest getting a share of Willie the Whale. It happened at a perfect time. Our stakes-winning mare had just chipped both knees in another stakes race and we opted to retire her. My 2 yr old had bleeding issues so we brought her home mid-season to treat and heal. Our season ended unexpectedly early and getting horses in WVS filled the void of not having a horse racing. Plus, WVS races during winter when our season is over.
Who is your favorite horse?
We’re partial to Necessary Drama. She’s a Liaison horse, and even though there is absolutely no connection, our mare, which was nominated for the 2017 National AQHA 3 yr old Filly Racing Champion, is Keen Liaison. How could we not be drawn to ND?
What issues in the industry would you like to see addressed?
We would like to see industry-wide consistency, thoroughbreds and quarter horses alike, in regulations for medications and testing. They are some quarter horse tracks making changes in an effort to ensure horses are running clean and healthy, but there is still room for improvement.