The Winning Team
January 18th, 2002by Duke Kebow
It’s Friday morning, and while most people are thinking about the weekend, I can hardly wait for the next edition of “Insider’s Bulletin.”
Twice each week, Barry Irwin, president of Team Valor, e-mails an update on selected horses in the syndicate, to all of the shareholders. In some ways, it is the best part of the “I own part of a Thoroughbred racehorse” scenario…You always know what’s going on!
Team Valor’s Colors on display at Saratoga
A renowned writer and most importantly, a straight shooter, Barry keeps you abreast of everything you want to know about your steed…The next race, at what track, dirt or turf, short or long, the purse that you and he are dying to win, his opinion of the competition, how he expects your horse to perform as well as updates on your jockey and trainer.
I know my three-year-old filly, Reine de Romance, is running a mile on the turf in the $150,000 San Clemente (G2) at Del Mar tomorrow and I can’t wait to see what Barry has to say!
Saturday finally arrives. My wife, daughter and granddaughter accompany me to the Director’s Room as guests of Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and the butterflies start circulating in more than one stomach.
A finely timed ride by Eddie Delahoussaye, a fabulous turn of foot in the last eighth of a mile from Reine de Romance and she blows by Gabriellina Giof and La Vida Loca and we win!
What a charge surges through my body! The excitement is so fantastic that I completely forget how to get to the winners’ circle. With the help of an usher, all four of us finally arrive trackside and get in the picture.
Our charming jockey was especially nice to our nine-year-old granddaughter, which made the day even more special.
Another time and another edition of “Insider’s Bulletin” reports that a colt that we had high hopes for was injured and must be retired from racing. So there are highs and lows. The truth is there are more downs than ups…but for me, it is worth it.
