Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile

Bob Donaldson and his wife, Sue, used to jump the fence as 14-year-olds at Garden State Park in Camden, N.J. to catch the last race after school.

On Nov. 2 at Santa Anita Park, there were no fences to jump — only open doors with ushers to clear the way — as the couple headed straight to the winner's circle when their Hard Spun colt Spun to Run upset the $1 million Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile.

Catapulting his small-time owners and trainer Juan Carlos Guerrero into the spotlight on the world's biggest stage, Spun to Run galloped gate-to-wire Saturday to post a 2 3/4-length victory over even-money favorite Omaha Beach.

Not only was it the first Breeders' Cup score for the colt's owner and trainer, but it was also their first Grade 1 win.

"We had a lot of faith in this horse," Donaldson said. "The whole team has been unbelievable, and this has been a fantastic ride."

For the Donaldsons, 30-year veteran owners whose racing stable contains just six runners, the victory with their 35-1 shot was the fulfillment of decades of dedication to the sport.

"That's what I said on TV, 'This is one for the little guy,' said Donaldson, a retired pharmaceutical executive.—Claire Crosby