Bob Baffert’s ponies have always drawn attention at the racetrack. Popular and well known, they have included Smokey as well as two striking palominos, Sunny and Amarillo (also known as I’m In It to Whiz It). Smokey, an American Quarter-Horse registered as This Whiz Shines, famously accompanied American Pharoah during his historic Triple Crown campaign in 2015. He was sold at auction in 2020, raising $80,000 in proceeds that went to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Home.

Uncle Buck (Cody) in McKibbon Sales catalog (McKibbon Sales brochure)

There is no mistaking Baffert’s newest pony. He is a buckskin gelding with an eye-catching presence on the track. While standing at a solid 15.1 hands, he does not yield to much larger horses, including the towering Kentucky Derby contender Potente. Jill Baffert describes him with admiration saying Uncle Buck, “is a large 15.1 [hands]. He can handle himself!”

He is a registered 2019 American Quarter-Horse buckskin (Hr Wimpy From Heaven) and is sired by Step It Up Jak. He displays the classic buckskin coloring: a tan coat and black “points” on his mane, tail, lower legs, and ear rims. His breed is known to be muscular, athletic and “cow smart.”

Uncle Buck was purchased from Sarah and Mozaun McKibben’s Performance and Versatility Horses at their Santa Barbara auction last fall. His grandsire, Wimpys Little Step, is a “legendary NRHA Hall of Fame stallion and one of the most successful reining sires of all time.” His dam, Western History, by Seven From Heaven, is from the iconic, world-renowned 6666 Ranch.

Uncle Buck ponying Potente under Barnes (Eclipse Sportswire)

Baffert has given him the barn name of ”Uncle Buck” to honor retired jockey agent Jim Pegram. He is the father of Brad Pegram, the jockey agent for Mike Smith and Flavien Prat, and brother of Mike Pegram, who won the 1998 Kentucky Derby and Preakness with the Baffert-trained Real Quiet. Jim Pegram is known affectionately as “Uncle Buck”  by friends and associates within the industry. His influence and legacy are well respected.

Uncle Buck (the horse) comes to the track with an extensive résumé and a bag of tricks. He is trained to ride Western, English, bareback, and bridleless. He is a roping horse, a trail horse, and a ranch horse. The McKibbens say, “he has nice lead departures, a one-handed neck rein, correct spins, and a ground-covering extended trot. He will ground tie anywhere you drop a rein.” Adding, “he will remain cool and calm in city chaos or ranch commotion.” These are qualities that make him ideally suited for the racetrack environment.

Along with Baffert’s longtime assistant trainer, Jimmy Barnes, they quietly ride out to the Churchill Downs track in the early morning hours. They are bringing Kentucky Derby contender Potente out to train. Even surrounded by million-dollar racehorses, Uncle Buck draws attention. There are indications that he is already a photographer’s favorite. Eclipse photographer Candice Chavez was shooting photos of him and said, “Oh boy! He is a smooth-mover, very well-built and reminds me of the stable’s previous pony Smokey.”

How is Uncle Buck adjusting to his new life on the track? Baffert says he is “handling it well. He has a great mind and a great jog. He seems to be settling in well at Churchill.”

Barnes aboard Uncle Buck this week at Churchill (Eclipse Sportswire)

Uncle Buck’s role is to escort racehorses from Baffert’s barn to and from the track.  His demeanor helps calm nervous behavior and encourages a smooth warm up. As each day draws closer to the Kentucky Oaks and Derby, the crowds surge around the track. Often a Thoroughbred can be startled or become skittish by the noise or sudden movement. Uncle Buck provides a safety zone and a sense of security that can be a source of stability. 

The McKibbens say Uncle Buck has “been there, seen it, and doesn’t bat an eye. He doesn’t spook, doesn’t overreact, and always stays level-headed, no matter the situation.” He was trained to deal with “blowing tarps, heavy machinery, loud gunfire, crazy dogs, wildlife, buffalo, pigs, and camels.”  It’s quite evident that he should be able to remain calm despite the noise and chaos often associated with a large-scale event such as the Kentucky Derby.

Baffert says “he’s a very kind horse and had a very sweet personality.” With his demeanor and strong work ethic, Uncle Buck has already proven to be a perfect fit in the Baffert barn.