Ethan West, 32, didn’t expect to find himself in the position of saddling a Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve starter so early in his training career, which launched in 2018.
As we approach May, I cannot believe that we are already five months away from the Thoroughbred Makeover in October and halfway through our training period. Overwhelming as that may seem, I feel so confident in Salesman and his progress. With five months to continue to take the foundation we have created in him at home, we will go on the road and start competing in eventing. I thought I would take some time to bring you in on what this last five months has included.
Overachieving Coal Battle, a $70,000 purchase for Norman Stables at the Texas Thoroughbred Association summer yearling sale, has to be the greatest feel-good story of the 151st Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.
Brianna DiRocco-Toy’s journey to finding Summit County was far from straightforward. She tried 13 different horses, each one bringing her closer to her perfect match, yet none quite right. Initially, Summit County wasn’t even on her radar. Brianna had her eyes set on another horse, only to discover that it had too many limitations.
.jpg?itok=AW3RRARS&c=47242e0b7fad2eae34d93ffa55929a6d "Summit County, OTTB, aftercare, eventing, dressage, cross country, Brianna DiRocco-Toy, Mid-Atlantic Horse Rescue, Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance, ulcerative colitis")
