Quirks and Nicknames for 2022 Kentucky Derby Hopefuls

Pop Culture
Bath time for Cyberknife at Churchill Downs ahead of his planned start in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve May 7. (Coady Photography)

The 148th edition of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve will be held May 7 under the Twin Spires at Churchill Downs, and when the starting gates open shortly before 7 p.m. ET as many as 20 Thoroughbreds will be all business as they run the most important race of their lives.

But have you ever wondered what are these horses like when they’re not on the track?

Isabella Leslie caught up with the connections of seven hopefuls for the run for the roses to find out their quirks, nicknames, what cartoon or movie character they would be, and more.


Barber Road (Coady Photography)

Barber Road

Nickname: Barber or Pup

Quirk/Fun Fact: He acts like a puppy waiting at the front gate to meet you. He's very smart, attentive, and entertaining to be around. 

Favorite Treat: Long lushes of “HAND-PICKED” grass

Cartoon Character/ Movie Star: Tom Holland (Peter Parker, Spider Man) kind of character. Playful and witty, he could possibly be his trainer, John Ortiz’s, hero.


Charge It (Coady Photography)

Charge It

Nickname: Charge It, he doesn't really have much of a nickname. 

Quirk/Fun Fact: He LOVES ponies, so they have to make sure to avoid them at all costs for everyone's sake.

Favorite Treat: Peppermints

Cartoon Character/ Movie Star: He is a big, handsome gray boy, so George Clooney


Crown Pride (Coady Photography)

Crown Pride

Nickname: Crown

Quirk/Fun Fact: He loves any kind of pampering. Whether it's running water on his legs or his weekly MagnaWave treatments, he becomes super calm and you'd never know he is such a monster on the track. He knows how to relax!

Favorite Treat: Arms, particularly Kate Hunter’s!

Cartoon Character/ Movie Star: The new Spiderman, Tom Holland. A sudden success story. 


Cyberknife (Coady Photography)

Cyberknife

Nickname: Cyber

Quirk/Fun Fact: He has a mind of his own.

Favorite Treat: Peppermints

Cartoon Character/ Movie Star: Scar from the Lion King



Mo Donegal (Coady Photography)

Mo Donegal

Nickname: Mo or Momo

Quirk/Fun Fact: He LOVES to sleep. When he isn't sleeping, you'll find him hanging his head out of his stall looking for attention and love from anyone and everyone. 

Favorite Treat: Peppermints

Cartoon Character/ Movie Star: Muhammad Ali


Tawny Port (Coady Photography)

Tawny Port

Nickname: Tawny

Quirk/Fun Fact: He isn't the bravest and sometimes needs encouragement. 

Favorite Treat: Peppermints

Cartoon Character/ Movie Star: Eeyore


Zozos (Coady Photography)

Zozos

Nickname: Zozos 

Quirk/Fun Fact: He was named after a restaurant on St. John in the Virgin Islands.

Favorite Treat: Peppermints

Cartoon Character/ Movie Star: He has good looks just like Leonardo DiCaprio.


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