There is a new presence at Churchill Downs this week for the 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby, and he is big! In a world where world-class Thoroughbreds are sleek, Monnie Goetz has brought a hearty new pony to the racetrack. Goetz can be frequently seen at Churchill Downs and Keeneland riding one of the most famous track “ponies” in the business. Harley the Magnificent is world renowned for his size and personality and even has his own Breyer horse.

The beautiful pony Rip in action. (Eclipse Sportswire)

This year he is joined on track by Rip, who is a snazzy looking Appaloosa with similar bloodlines. Both were bred by CJ Neal from CJH (Carrie Jean’s Horses) Ranch. Neal raises foundation Appaloosas and sport horses. Rip was born on June 10, 2020 and is now 4 years old. Goetz purchased him when he was a month old. She estimates that he is about 1,300 pounds and 16 hands. Since he is only 4, she said he will continue to grow until he is 7. His dam was 17.1 hands and was a Thoroughbred draft.

Goetz said his personality is like a, “kid with a lot of energy. He’s going to be nice. He likes his job and takes to it quickly. He’s a little pushy. He knows he’s got that size. He’s a nice, smooth ride with plenty of get up and go!”  She plans to register him with the American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft Association (ASHDA).

As for the extremely popular and beloved Harley (AKA Daisy’s Chief Dane), Goetz laughs and said he still acts like a youngster. She is so proud that he was inducted into the ASHDA Hall of Fame in January of 2024. He is registered under their Hardship program meaning that he was not specifically bred for ASHDA but that he meets the qualifications to be registered on his own merits.

Harley and Rip, face to face. (Eclipse Sportswire)

One of the most popular pony escorts in Thoroughbred racing, Harley has provided a magnificent spotlight for the breed for the past 10 years, earning his title as a Silver Ambassador for ASHDA.

Harley now weighs 2,000 pounds. Goetz says that “at 13, he still acts like a youngster. He absolutely loves his job. He gets puffed up with people and is proud to be always noticed.” She is thrilled that his Breyer model is frequently sold out at the local gift stores.

Looking at Harley and Rip, there is no doubt that they are related. They are both blessed with striking good looks and beautiful blanket appaloosa coats.

Breeder CJ Neal explains how they are related: “Harley is out of my black classic-bred Percheron mare Miss Daisy, by my late black leopard foundation Appaloosa stallion EC Chief FourEagles. Chief passed away Dec. 31, 2023, due to age related issues. Miss Daisy is still riding and driving, teaching new horse enthusiasts the ways of the reins!

Rip is out of my late black classic-bred Percheron mare Star (matched teammate to Daisy), by my late black few spot foundation Appaloosa stallion CJH StarDusted Chief (son of EC Chief FourEagles). Star passed away in the winter of 2022 due to age related issues. Dusty passed away Aug. 27, 2023, due to a freak lightning strike.

Rip as a foal along with his dam, Star. (Courtesy of CJ Neal/CJH Ranch)

This makes Harley and Rip quarter-siblings out of an unrelated well-matched team of fantastic mares and an incredible father-son team of stallions. Harley has one full-brother who resides in Tennessee, living his best life as a fox hunter. Rip has one full-sister who resides in Wisconsin living her best life, becoming an obstacle tail competitor.”

Torrie Ann Needham recently ponied on Rip at Churchill Downs in preparation for the Kentucky Derby. She said: “He was nice to ride and has a fairly smooth gait. He really seems to like the work. He and Harley are comfortable ponies as they are both very quiet and seem to calm the racehorses very well. Rip is quite handsome. He and Harley really show up on the big screen and on the track. You can’t miss either horse!” 

The magnificent and gentle character of Rip and Harley adds a pleasing presence to the pageantry of racing. On race day, fans reach to pet them and are thrilled to pose with them for photos. Rip and Harley both look at the world with soft eyes and a gentle demeanor. They are truly remarkable ambassadors for the sport.