Trainer Bobby Leaf III finally achieved his first victory after 25 tries in Sunday’s second race at Laurel Park. The 32-year-old, who initially struggled to obtain his trainer’s license—failing three years ago and delaying his application process—passed the exam in March and celebrated the win with jockey Warren Ebow III aboard Fan Club, a horse that embodied the effort and dedication that brought him to this moment.
Leaf, whose full-time job is farriery, has long possessed a passion for horses that gradually evolved into training as clients began entrusting him with their animals. He works closely with his father, Robert Leaf Jr., a fellow Maryland trainer, who managed Fan Club until March when the son officially took over. Beyond training 13 horses, Bobby Leaf III cares for mares, yearlings, and retired horses at his farm, and this win significantly supports their upkeep. “Fan Club is taking care of the whole barn,” Leaf said with enthusiasm.
Fan Club is an 8-year-old gelding sired by Street Sense and out of Secret Return. Leaf claimed him for $12,500 after a second-place finish at Laurel on February 28, unaware of the horse’s age at the time. Captivated by Fan Club’s heart and breeding, Leaf stuck with him despite mixed results, including a sixth-place run on turf in April and a close second in an August race at Timonium. After giving the horse a four-month rest to address wear and tear, Leaf returned Fan Club to form, confident the horse would secure the trainer’s inaugural victory.
Originally purchased as a $325,000 yearling in 2019, Fan Club has earned over $326,000 from 40 starts and was previously claimed for $7,500 by another trainer. Leaf plans to continue following Fan Club’s career closely. This story first appeared in the Paulick Report on September 13, 2026.
Fan Take: This breakthrough win highlights the persistence and passion fueling new trainers entering the sport, showcasing how dedication can pay off against the odds. It also underscores the importance of supporting up-and-coming talent and horses whose value goes beyond the track, reinforcing horse racing’s deeply personal and community-driven nature.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
