Relationships hold great significance, whether in the corporate world or the racing industry. Dr. Naveed Chowhan’s deep bond with the late trainer Bernie Flint continues to bring rewards even after Flint’s passing in July. Flint’s steadfast confidence in Hymn, a four-year-old homebred from Chowhan’s Fleur de Lis Stable, culminated in the long-sought Grade 1 victory that Chowhan had pursued for over thirty years when Hymn won the Forego Stakes at Saratoga on August 29.
Originally from Pakistan, Chowhan came to the United States at 18 and cherishes the close relationship he developed with Flint, who felt more like family. “He was always upfront and genuine—whether about breeding, broodmares, or racing,” said Chowhan, 65. “Everyone experiences ups and downs in this business, and there are more downs than ups. But through it all, I knew Bernie had my best interests at heart.”
Chowhan took Flint’s advice when Hymn didn’t meet his $140,000 reserve at Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale and brought the colt home. As Flint battled bladder cancer, he recommended Ron Moquett as his successor trainer and urged Chowhan to geld the temperamental Hymn—a move that took significant time since Flint had been so enthusiastic about the colt from the beginning.
Moquett noted, “I can’t say exactly why, but Bernie believed this horse had real potential.” Hymn impressed with a dominant four-length win at his Oaklawn debut in February 2025, leading Chowhan to turn down generous offers for a majority share, instead adding William Sparks and Bret Jones as minority partners with Moquett’s help.
However, Hymn soon became a difficult horse—stubborn, aggressive, and unpredictable—with his raw talent obscured by behavioral challenges. “We tried everything: changing bits, blinkers on and off, shadow rolls,” Moquett recalled. Flint continuously insisted gelding was the solution, advice that was initially resisted. “I hoped Hymn would mature with time, but it might have taken until he was six,” said Moquett.
After winning his debut, Hymn dropped nine consecutive races before the team relented and gelded him, sparking an impressive turnaround. Hymn then won three straight races, including the De Francis Dash Stakes at Laurel Park in June, and placed second in Saratoga’s Grade 2 Alfred G. Vanderbilt before fulfilling Chowhan’s Grade 1 dream in the Forego.
Chowhan said, “Bernie and I had many successes with great horses, but winning a Grade 1 was something I wanted before getting too old. In 30 years, it hadn’t happened until now.” At the time of the Forego, Chowhan was attending a wedding and watched the race with family and friends in a lively gathering. He and his wife Noreen have four adult children.
This victory was a remarkable, underdog moment for Chowhan, who owns a few broodmares and just three other horses in training, all with Moquett. They plan to be well represented when Hymn runs next in the Phoenix Stakes at Keeneland on October 2, a race offering a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint. The Forego win also guarantees a place in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile.
Trainer Moquett, experienced with top sprinters like the gelded Whitmore—winner of the 2020 Sprint with over $4.5 million in earnings—highlighted Hymn’s long stride and left open the option of continuing on dirt mile distances based on upcoming results. “These are the moments to showcase your best horse and demonstrate what you can achieve under the right conditions,” Moquett said.
Chowhan will forever honor Flint’s crucial role, hoping that “Bernie is watching from heaven and proud of us.”
This article originally appeared in the Features section of the Paulick Report on September 22, 2026.
Fan Take: This story highlights the profound impact a loyal trainer-owner relationship can have on a horse’s career, showing that patience and trust can turn around even the most challenging horses. Hymn’s journey from unruly colt to Grade 1 winner reminds fans that persistence and expert guidance remain at the heart of horse racing’s enduring appeal.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
