Kentucky Oaks champion Always a Runner will end her season early instead of competing in the Distaff at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland. Donny Denton, general manager for co-owner Doug Scharbauer, shared that the decision to wrap up her six-race campaign was made collaboratively with trainer Chad Brown and Three Chimneys Farm, the breeder of Always a Runner.
“We prefer not to rush our horses or push them beyond their limits,” Denton explained. “For a filly like her, who has run hard despite limited races, our priority is her safety and to ensure she is in top form for a strong return next year.”
After skipping racing at age two, Always a Runner has never finished worse than second and has won three of her six starts, including the last four Grade 1 races. She has earned a total of $1,372,800 so far.
Following her Kentucky Oaks win by 1¼ lengths under Jose Ortiz, the Gun Runner filly placed second behind likely top contender Counting Stars in both the Acorn Stakes and the Coaching Club American Oaks at Saratoga. Last Saturday at Parx Racing, she was narrowly defeated as the favorite in the Cotillion Stakes.
“We’re very proud of her performances against top-class competition,” Denton said. He also noted that offspring of Gun Runner tend to develop and perform better as they age, mirroring their sire’s trajectory. “Although she’s not a large filly, her heart and determination stand out, so we expect her to get even better.”
Always a Runner will now return to Three Chimneys Farm in Versailles, Kentucky, where she will enjoy some rest. Denton did not specify when she will resume training, stating it could be anywhere between 60 and 90 days.
Bred from Malibu Moon mare Always Carina, Always a Runner was bought by Scharbauer for $1,050,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale.
Fan Take: This news highlights the careful management and long-term planning essential in racing champions, reminding fans that preserving a horse’s well-being often takes precedence over immediate glory. Always a Runner’s promising future offers excitement for the sport as she is poised to develop into a standout competitor in the upcoming seasons.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
