Breeders’ Cup and a New Chapter

I’m back, and ready to share how unbelievable the last month has been. Lots to talk about in this blog, so let’s get right to it!

First off, Santa Anita is one of the most beautiful racetracks I have ever been to. Coupled with its rich history and the San Gabriel mountains as its backdrop, it does one heck of a job mesmerizing the senses.

Though the sprint did not result in the way I had hoped, the Breeders’ Cup was a truly grand experience. Maggie and I joined Haveyougoneaway at Santa Anita on Monday afternoon and she trained absolutely brilliantly over the track leading into the race, which made me feel confident that she was sitting on a really big one.

Drawing the #2 hole was extremely disappointing as Haveyougoneaway loves to come with a stalking trip from the outside. We got lucky in the Ballerina drawing the outside post and she got a perfect trip. Sadly the same thing could not be replicated for the Breeders’ Cup. Johnny Velazquez said that she felt tremendous, but every time he wanted to move her his route was blocked and she never really got a chance to run. She finished seventh, beaten by just 4 ½ lengths. Her chances of any action ended when By the Moon was steadied in front of her half way around the turn. With a clean trip, I know she would have really put up a fight … but that’s racing. I couldn’t be more proud of her and my team for everything we accomplished. Our stable has only been operating for four years and we made it to the Breeders’ Cup. It’s plenty to celebrate!

It was a truly incredible experience to be a part of something so massive where so many cultures of racing come together to watch some of the world’s best horses compete against one another. Ferociously competitive, but that’s what you want to be involved in as a trainer. That’s why you get into this sport. It’s a phenomenal experience and I certainly long to go back already with more horses.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the Breeders’ Cup for the hospitality that they showed us. Big thank you to Erin McLaughlin who was our liaison and worked tirelessly to make sure that my family and I were taken care of and comfortable while we were there. Also, thank you to Dan and Christina Blacker for kindly putting Haveyougoneaway in their barn, and to their staff for making my team feel at home.

On a personal note, Maggie and I had a lot of fun during the week as well. We took some time to
ourselves to enjoy the Santa Monica Pier and got to spend the week with my family, who flew in from
England to cheer us on. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to do much sightseeing at the actual track, but I did make my way into the Chandelier Room, and I must say it is stunning. If you are ever at Santa Anita, try to make it up there. You will not be disappointed.

After the races, Maggie flew back home to New York while Haveyougoneaway and I flew to Kentucky for the sale. She sold on the Monday evening for $1,100,000 to Lake Villa Farms, a very successful breeding operation in Japan, and will be bred to Deep Impact. She signed off her racing career with her head held high and a grade one race on her resume. She has made all of her connections incredibly happy and now she starts another chapter where she will get to be a mum. I’m not going to sit here and pretend that not having her in the barn is easy, because it’s not. She is missed by everyone on our team and it’s going to take a little getting used to not seeing her in the shed row. With that said, we are all thrilled in knowing she will be well cared for and happy with her new family.

Now it’s onto Fair Grounds for Team Morley! I was glad to arrive in New Orleans last week to find that all twelve of our horses had settled in nicely. I will admit, I felt quite defeated for twenty-four hours after the sale and it was extremely hard for me to concentrate. New Orleans was just what I needed to unwind from my Breeders’ Cup hangover. It was my first time at Fair Grounds and I was blown away at how helpful and kind the people are. From the backside workers to the people in the racing office, the hospitality at this racetrack is downright exceptional. It made me feel right at home.

As far as racing goes, I’m hoping for a dry winter in New Orleans. Regardless of if it is or isn’t, we have some very competitive horses out there, including some great quality grass horses. The dirt track handled and rode magnificently, and I was delighted to see the turf course looked like a bowling green. It will be a fun place to be this winter.

For now, I’m back in New York and Aqueduct is in full swing. Glorious Empire, who I absolutely must discuss in this blog, came from my great friend Ed Walker and ran a huge race at Aqueduct, finishing third and getting a 94 Beyer on November 16. He is a very nervous individual, but if I can get him to relax more in his races then we may be looking at a graded stakes quality horse that will go two-turns, 7/8ths or a mile. He’s got a lot of potential and a bright future ahead.

So what’s next? Well, Maggie is due in the next few days and we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of our first child. Anyone want to put a wager on whether we will have a boy or a girl? Nonsense, I’m just kidding — there will be no wagering! There is, however, the possibility of radio silence on our end as we turn the page and begin a new chapter in our lives. We are excited for what the future may bring and look forward to the joys of parenthood.

From Maggie and I to all of you, thank you for your cheers and support.