Kentucky Derby 2005

Giacomo On His Way to Victory in the Kentucky Derby

Giacomo Wins the Kentucky Derby
by Emily Hufford

In a year when the California horses were supposed to be "too slow," the Golden State shined. 50 - 1 longshot Giacomo, a son of Holy Bull who had only previously won a maiden race, stunned many to win the Kentucky Derby over Closing Argument and Afleet Alex. Don't Get Mad, Buzzards Bay, and Wilko, all with California ties, filled the next three spots. Mike Smith rode the winner, and John Shirreffs trained him. Both of them were winning their first Derby.

A more detailed Kentucky Derby report will follow.

Giacomo the Morning After the Derby

Giacomo - A Turf Angels Story by Emily Hufford If you've been reading the Turf Angels forums at all in the past 365 days, you would have known who Giacomo was. Here is the complete story of our connection with the game gray horse. In 1994, Amanda Saunders had a favorite horse, who remains her all time favorite horse. His name was Holy Bull. She also had a favorite jockey: Mike Smith. When Holy Bull lost the '94 Kentucky Derby, she was crushed, as many adolescents are when "their" horses lose the Big Dance. Of course, the big gray horse went on to win Horse of the Year, and has been a useful sire so far. In 1998, my idol was John Shirreffs. Since then, his horses and his talent have meant a lot to me. In 2002, I met a man named Dave Shields. Dave's graying cat's name? Giacomo.

When Amanda found a son of Holy Bull named Giacomo, early in 2004, we all eagerly anticipated the colt's career. He began to work in California, which just so happens to be where Dave resides during the year. When I found out that Giacomo's trainer was John Shirreffs, the irony was too amusing the pass up. When Giacomo broke his maiden by 10 lengths, a superstar was born.

Giacomo's run at the Derby was always on our minds. The few times a year that I get to see Dave usually include a visit to the racetrack to see Giacomo run or workout. Dave was crushed when the colt lost the Santa Anita Derby, but his confience never wavered. I was the first to say that I didn't think Giacomo could do it, and I'm the first to admit I was floored when he did. Whenever I asked Dave who he liked in the Derby, he said, "Giacomo" with unbelievable confidence for a rookie horse fan. After all the bashing of the California horses this year, I allowed myself to let the idea creep into my head that not only had this little colt that the Turf Angels were a fan of made it to the Derby, but it was possible he could win it.

Before the race, I told Dave not to be too sad when he won.

"When he wins? I won't be sad when he wins," Dave said.

"Oops, I meant when he loses," I said back.

Then My Trusty Cat defeated Madcap Escapade in the Humana Distaff. I told Dave, "It's a sign! Your trusty cat is going to win!"

It was the kind of win that makes you remember why you are a fan of the sport. Mike Smith redeemed Holy Bull's loss, defeating five Nick Zito horses. Nick Zito just happens to be the one who trained Go for Gin to win in 1994. Dave Shields is completely hooked; the horse that only he had unwavering confidence and faith in since early last year, well before the horse ever debuted, won the sport's biggest race. This morning, Amanda Saunders got to meet Mike Smith and they reminisced about Holy Bull and times before and what was on the horizon.

And I? I am proud to say I've known this horse forever, seen him run before, spent time around him in the barn, and I cried like a baby after he won. Yes, I collected money on him, as did all the friends that I told about this horse back in January when they asked me who I liked. This horse is beyond special to us, and is somewhat of a Turf Angels mascot. This morning, the day after the Derby, the three Turf Angels (including Amelia Baldree) got to pose with the Derby winner in his stall. What could be a better ending to this unbelievable story?

Derby Day Undercard Stakes Races
by Amelia Baldree

Battle Won was the winner of the Grade II Churchill Downs Handicap by 3 1/2 lengths on Saturday. The 5-year-old dark bay gelding was bumped at the start and battled traffic to win the 7-furlong race in 1:20.56. He was ridden by Ramon A. Dominguez and trained by Charles Simon for owners Jay and Gretchen Manoogian. Kentucky Cup Sprint winner Level Playingfield finished second and favorite Pomeroy was third.

Half Ours Wins the Three Chimneys Juvenile

Todd Pletcher's two-year-old Half Ours impressed in the Three Chimneys Juvenile Stakes, winning by 4 1/2 lengths in 57.07 for five furlongs. The colt was favored, having previously broken his maiden by over 10 lengths at Keeneland. Five Star Holding was second and and Beacon Shine was third. Aaron and Marie Jones are the owners of the Unbridled's Song gray colt.

The Grade III Comp USA Turf Mile Stakes was won by Miss Terrible (ARG). Ridden by Alex Solis, the 6-year-old bay mare won by a length over Sand Springs and Shaconage in 1:35.89. Bradley S. Ross trains for owners Carol and Charles Hammersmith.

My Trusty Cat Wins the Humana Distaff

My Trusty Cat and Javier Castellano won the Grade I Humana Distaff Handicap by 3/4 lengths over Molto Vita and Puxa Saco. Heavily favored Madcap Escapade sprinted clear until My Trusty Cat went four wide on the turn to make a bid in the stretch. Madcap Escapade faded to fifth. David Vance trains for Carl F. Pollard.
The Grade I Woodford Reserve Turf Classic Stakes was won by America Alive. The 4-year-old bay colt was ridden by Robby Albarado and is trained by Neil Howard for Mill House. Meteor Storm (GB) finished second and Quest Star was third. The One And One Eighth Miles On The Turf was completed in 1:47.34.