For this young horse, having one eye won't stop him from succeeding in racing... and competing in the Kentucky Derby!
Patch is a 3-year-old Thoroughbred who lost his eye in a track accident. You'd think that this impairment may slow him down, impacting his vision and depth perception... but not for this resilient guy!
PATCH by far had the best personality this AM @fairgroundsnola. Just a curious, quirky and friendly horse (if not also mischievous) #LaDerby pic.twitter.com/uQ1Hp5WLhx
— Michael Adolphson (@AdolphsonRacing) March 31, 2017
Owned by Calumet Farm and trained by Todd Pletcher, Patch has not only learned how to cope with the injury, he also excels at racing. In one of his first races, the Thoroughbred took home first place, and in another, he came in second.
By the time he ran in the Louisiana Derby, it was clear that Patch had pure talent - his top ranks weren't just a fluke.
"Very pleased. Huge effort for only his third start." - trainer Todd Pletcher re: PATCH's runner-up effort in #LaDerby17 pic.twitter.com/z8E1AAbAlc
— Michael Adolphson (@AdolphsonRacing) April 2, 2017
Patch walked away with the impressive second place title, earning 40 points, and qualifying him for the Kentucky Derby!
PATCH wasn't the shyest when the ladies walked past pic.twitter.com/P5tIM9uH4W
— Michael Adolphson (@AdolphsonRacing) March 31, 2017
But the speedy horse remains humble. A tweet by @adolphsonracing reads that Patch is, "Just a curious, quirky and friendly horse (if not also mischievous)."
Way to defy the odds, Patch! Good luck in your next big race!
Horse Courses by Elaine Heney
- Listening to the Horse - The Documentary by Elaine Heney & Grey Pony Films
- Shoulder In & Out Training for better balance, bend & topline development with your horse
- Over 110+ Polework Exercises & Challenges to Download
- Dancing at Liberty & Creating Connection with Your Horse (11 lessons) - Grey Pony Films
(h/t: Wide Open Pets)
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