Monarchos

The remarkable tribute paid to their mutual granddam by the first two in the Breeders' Cup Classic felt especially apt given that Fawn Leap Farm had lost Darling My Darling (Deputy Minister), at a venerable 28, since the same horses finished first and third the previous year. Debby and John Oxley know that these things take time. In 2014 they had sold one of her daughters, by Congrats, for $8,000 as a yearling. At that stage, Darling My Darling was proving a dud in her second career: her first foal...

Charles "Nucks" Nuckols III, owner of Nuckols Farm, passed away Sept. 21. He was 78. He is survived by his wife; Mary Jane; his son, Charlie Nuckols IV and partner Amanda Reardon; his son, Thomas Hunter Nuckols and spouse Stacey, grandchildren, Claire Alexandra and Thomas Elliott; his daughter Mary Dunlap and spouse Zachary Armgard, grandchildren, Bruce Ryker and Ashford Henry. He was preceded in death by Hetty Nuckols Gross, and survived by Judy Nuckols Offutt, and Jimmy Nuckols. "Nucks" alongside his father bred and produced several champions including Mr. Leader,...

3rd-Pimlico, $52,600, Msw, 5-13, 3yo, 6f, 1:12.92, ft, 7 lengths. REBELLIOUS STAGE (c, 3, Justify--Spark {MSP, $119,443}, by Speightstown) debuted with Lasix as the 4-5 favorite and allowed first-time gelding Donegal Danny (Maclean's Music) to take over the lead down the backstretch. The chestnut colt launched his bid on the turn for home, collared the pacesetter from there and ran on nicely in the stretch to declare victory over that rival by a comfortable seven lengths. Derby champion Monarchos (Maria's Mon) is a full-brother to the winner's second dam Mon...

John T. Ward Jr., whose many wins included a victory in the 2001 GI Kentucky Derby with Monarchos, passed away Saturday at age 75. His death was reported by Churchill Downs, which released a statement from track president Mike Anderson. "John Ward Jr. personified the phrase 'Kentucky hard-boot,'" Anderson said. "He was a third-generation horseman who worked tirelessly throughout his career, culminating with service as Executive Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. The dedication to his craft as a trainer was amplified 20 years ago when he patiently prepared...