FPD has made the trail leading to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks a path closely followed for many years. Each year we follow the prep races and spend the week prior to the races contacting the many farriers we know that are working at the top level of the racing world. This year is no exception.
We’ve been tracking guys like Todd Boston, Steve Norman, Jim Jimenez, Chris and Pat Broadus, and Gary Churchman to name a few to see what Derby and Oaks entries will be wearing Kerckhaert race plates. Each year, we are seeing a significant number of horses come out of the gate with Kerckhaert shoes– an indication that the top end market recognizes the quality points of the styles available.
Today, we also caught Todd Boston shoeing one of a number of Oaks and Derby horses he has going. Summer Applause, trained by Bret Calhoun will be running in the 2012 Oaks. Check out the short video we have of Todd working on a hind foot.
UPDATE 5-5-12 – Another filly that Todd Boston shod on Oaks Day- Believe You Can, trained by Larry Jones- pulled off the win in the 2012 KY Oaks. Steve Norman shod runner-up Broadway’s Alibi, trained by Todd Pletcher.
Amazing for most people is that most of the guys take this week in stride and don’t get too excited about it- though I think all would admit it’s a bit of a thrill the first few times they shoe a Derby horse- and even more when they have shod a winner.