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| Staff Writer |
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In the exciting world of horse racing, few names generate as much anticipation and excitement as renowned trainer Rick Dutrow. Fresh off his triumphant victory in the 2023 Breeder’s Cup, Dutrow has set his sights on new horizons for his prized racehorse, White Abarrio, with ambitious plans to conquer the 2024 Saudi Cup and the Dubai World Cup. True to his reputation, Dutrow’s meticulous and strategic approach guarantees an exhilarating journey for both horse and trainer that promises to captivate racing fans worldwide.
Beyond his international plans, Dutrow also intends to strengthen White Abarrio’s legacy on home soil.
Rick Dutrow Jr., born in Hagerstown, Maryland, in 1959, is a name that evokes both awe and criticism in the world of thoroughbred racing. His career has been a thrilling spectacle of victories and controversies, a roller coaster ride etched with his undeniable talent and penchant for pushing boundaries.
Dutrow’s brilliance emerged early. In 2005, he captured two prestigious Breeders’ Cup races with Silver Train and Saint Liam, solidifying his status as a rising star. He continued his ascent, reaching the 1,000-win milestone in 2007with Kip Deville’s triumph in the Frank E. Kilroe Mile.
In 2008, Dutrow soared with Big Brown’s Derby & Preakness wins, but Belmont’s heartbreak denied the Triple Crown. His brilliance still earned him recognition as a top trainer. He was even nominated for the Eclipse Award for Outstanding Trainer that year.
Rick Dutrow’s success can be attributed to his unique ability to connect with his horses and understand their needs. White Abarrio aims to rewrite his narrative onto the sands of racing history, a testament to meticulous planning and unwavering belief in a champion’s potential.
White Abarrio’s story began when he was sent to Rick Dutrow Jr by his previous trainer. The owner had a clear ambition – to compete in the illustrious Met Mile. Dutrow eagerly accepted the challenge, recognising the potential of this remarkable horse.
The trainer recalls, “I said, Of course, I would love to have him. I’d love to be around him. So that’s how it happened.”
Dutrow’s relationship with the owners, C2 Racing Stable’s Mark and Clint and Antonio Pagnano, extends beyond business.
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Their strong bond made the training process all the more enjoyable and exciting. Dutrow admits, “Anybody would want to get their hands on a horse like him. I was very happy, very excited.”
Their shared passion for White Abarrio fueled their determination to train him to his full potential.
Throughout their working relationship, Dutrow trusted White Abarrio’s instincts and let the horse guide them to success. After a resounding victory in the Whitney, the decision to aim for the Breeders Cup was made easily.
Dutrow explains, “It was almost as if the horse made that decision for us. It’s like the horse is telling us, ‘Let’s go for these big races because I’m ready for it.’ So, we just try to follow him.”
Beyond his impressive athletic prowess, White Abarrio captivates onlookers with his vibrant personality.
Trainer Rick Dutrow paints a picture of a horse brimming with charm and an insatiable curiosity: “He’s got a ton of personality. Oh, my goodness, he is just interested in everything.”
This playful side, however, gives way to a steely focus when the stakes are high. Dutrow vividly remembers witnessing White Abarrio’s transformation in the lead-up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic: “He went into a zone. And he is so pretty to look at; he’s got it all,” said Dutrow.
This captivating blend of playful curiosity and unwavering determination adds another layer to White Abarrio’s remarkable character, solidifying his place as a fan favourite both on and off the track.
The glittering prospect of the Saudi Cup casts a long shadow, and preparations for White Abarrio’s desert adventure are well underway. Trainer Rick Dutrow meticulously orchestrated every aspect of the journey, with the colt’s owners, Dutrow’s brother, and his trusted rider accompanying him on this momentous occasion.
13th February marks the commencement of White Abarrio’s odyssey as he embarks on his transcontinental voyage from California.
Recognising the importance of a smooth transition to the unfamiliar Saudi environment, Dutrow has planned a measured acclimatization process.
“Once he gets to Saudi,” the trainer explains, “depending on how he handles the long flight, he will be doing some light work ahead of the race.”
Drawing upon White Abarrio’s proven record of success, Dutrow intends to adhere to the same preparation strategy that has yielded past victories, ensuring the colt arrives at the starting gate primed for peak performance.
While the Saudi Cup beckons, a meaningful challenge laden with significance, Dutrow’s path forward is illuminated by unwavering clarity – it’s all about the horse.
“We just want to give him the best opportunity possible,”the trainer declares, his voice resonating with conviction.
Dutrow’s words encapsulate the essence of his commitment to White Abarrio, “We want him to do his best, and I know once we get him to the starting gates, there is no other horse like him.”
As the anticipated roster of contenders for the Saudi Cup unfolds, questions inevitably arise about specific challengers White Abarrio might face. Yet, when pressed on this subject, Rick Dutrow Jr. remains unfazed, his gaze firmly fixed on the intrinsic prowess of his champion.
“We haven’t even looked at the entries yet,” he admits, his voice betraying a quiet confidence.
For Dutrow, the battlefield resides not in the stables of potential rivals but within the spirit of White Abarrio himself. In his eyes, “there is no other horse like him.” Once he thunders down the starting gate, his unbridled potential is unleashed.
This unshakeable faith extends to White Abarrio’s training regime. When inquiries about adjustments to address external threats or track-specific demands surface, Dutrow focuses squarely on the horse’s inner compass. “He kind of trains himself right now,” he declares, emphasising their current light exercise and jogging strategy.
As the Saudi Cup and the tantalising possibility of the Dubai World Cup loom large, Rick Dutrow Jr. meticulously plots White Abarrio’s path to glory. His initial strategy prioritises familiar comfort, with the champion colt remaining nestled in his California training grounds until the imminent departure to Saudi Arabia. “He will be staying in California until shipped to Saudi,” Dutrow Jr. affirms, underscoring the importance of minimising environmental disruptions.
A shared charter flight with fellow competitors further eases the transition, allowing White Abarrio to retain a semblance of normalcy amidst the whirlwind of travel.
The Dubai World Cup beckons as a potential second act, its allure contingent upon White Abarrio’s performance and post-race recovery in Saudi Arabia.
“A ton of it depends on the horse,” Dutrow Jr. acknowledges, his voice resonating with respect for his equine partner. A stellar Saudia Arabia showing combined with a vibrant physical state could pave the way for Dubai, although the final decision remains firmly anchored in the horse’s well-being.
“We’ll be watching it very closely, praying and hoping for the best,” Dutrow Jr. confides, revealing the depth of his commitment to White Abarrio’s health and happiness.
Challenges abound on this ambitious journey. The Saudi Cup presents a crucible of its own, demanding a transcontinental flight and adaptation to a new racing distance. The potential addition of fresh contenders in Dubai further adds to the complexity. Yet, Dutrow Jr. embraces the adversity with characteristic optimism.
“It’s a big race,” he acknowledges, “That is an extreme challenge. But it’s exciting and at the same time it’s a challenge.” This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Dutrow Jr.’s approach – a calculated blend of respect for the obstacles, unflinching confidence in his champion, and a relentless pursuit of equine excellence internationally.
Dutrow Jr.’s gaze, however, extends beyond the immediate challenges of the Saudi Cup. He articulates a roadmap for White Abarrio’s future, contingent upon the horse’s performance and recovery in Riyadh.
A resounding triumph and recovery would pave the way for Dubai, while a less stellar showing (in Riyadh) would prompt a return to the familiar shores of the United States.
The 2024 Met Mile, Whitney Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup await, each race a potential canvas for White Abarrio’s exceptional talent.
“If he’s doing okay, he goes into the Met Mile. Else it will be the Whitney (Stakes) and then the Breeders Cup,” Dutrow Jr. declares, his voice laden with pragmatism and boundless confidence in his champion.
This carefully calibrated itinerary reflects a profound respect for White Abarrio’s well-being. Dutrow Jr. prioritises the horse’s health above all else, recognising that only when White Abarrio feels his best can he truly unleash his full potential.
As White Abarrio sets his sights on conquering not just continents but also the hearts of racing fans across the globe, the industry collectively holds its breath. Will he conquer the sands of Riyadh and then lay claim to the Dubai crown?
Only time will tell, but one thing remains certain: Dutrow Jr.’s meticulous planning, unwavering faith in his champion, and deep respect for the horse’s well-being provide a formidable foundation for success. The journey promises to be as thrilling as the destination itself, a testament to the unwavering spirit of both horse and trainer.