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| Staff Writer |
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There are two ‘great’ reasons why Walden will be headed to the Middle East at the end of March. Both Winstar-owned Pegasus World Cup-winning Life Is Good and Gr.1 Gold Cup-winning Country Grammar are headed into the feature race on Dubai World Cup night.
While Life Is Good has been targeting the iconic ten furlongs’ race since his victory in the Gr.1 Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes, while Country Grammer will head into the race after finishing runner-up behind Emblem Road in the Gr.1 Saudi Cup after a nine-month layoff.
WinStar bought Country Grammer for $110,000 from the Lane's End consignment at the 2021 Keeneland January Horses of All Ages sale following the death of original owner Paul Pompa Jr.
The 4YO son of the Distorted Humor mare Beach Walk, bred by Gary and Mary West was a US$525,000 purchase from the Paramount Sales consignment at the 2019 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He won six of his seven starts of which three were Group One races and six have been Group races.
The CEO of Winstar Farm, Elliot Walden chats with Ten Furlongs exclusively, to take stock of the plans they have in motion for their two biggest champions to race in one of the most iconic races in the world.
Q: Please tell about the pedigrees of both Life Is Good and Country Grammar and how they are suited for the Dubai World Cup race? Do you have any concerns about them being able to handle the left-handed track, distance, and/or the two-bends?
A: Life is good is by Into Mischief out of a Distorted Humor mare which has been a very good cross that includes Practical Joke. Into Mischief is the sire of Authentic as well, and he has been successful at 1 1/8mile. The 1 1/4 is something Authentic did, and we hope Life Is Good will get the trip as well.
Country Grammer is bred more for the 1 1/4 Being by Tonalist. The 1 1/4 will not be a problem for him.
The configuration of the racetrack is what both horses are used to in America.
Q: According to you, what have been their best races? And why?
A: Life is Good’s best race would be his last when he beat Horse of the Year Knicks Go. The race was supposed to be a speed duel between the two, and it never materialized because of Life is Good’s speed from the gate was too good.
Country Grammer’s best race was the Saudi Cup. It was a phenomenal training job to get him ready after a 9-month layoff. He tries hard every time. If he had raced, I believe he would have won it.
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Q: How are Life Is Good and Country Grammar doing? What are their travel plans and all being well, what are your plans for them once they return home?
A: I am not sure what the rest of the year will bring about, but they will get a brief rest before looking towards the latter half of the year. Country Grammer will be on the West Coast and Life Is Good will campaign in the East for now. We are likely look at a race like the Whitney Gr.1 in Saratoga as a target if all goes well.
Q: Although they say ‘what’s in a name’ but still who names your horses? Could you tell us the story behind the naming of Country Grammar and Life Is Good?
A: We did not name Country Grammer as we bought him after he was named. Our office manager, Amy Nave, named Life is Good. We try to name our horses like they are going to be a big winner, and ‘Life Is Good’ had a great ring to it.
Q: What has been your absolute favourite race in the Middle East?
A: Well Armed racing in the Dubai World Cup (2009) was a great thrill. He dominated the race, and it was an honour to win the DWC trophy that year. It is a race that we look to target each year.
Q: And finally, as an owner and a breeder, you are a legend in so many ways, who inspires you, and why?
A: At WinStar, we continue to strive to be the best farm in a way that brings glory to God. That is what drives us. We work very hard to be able to provide for the team members and to grow the farm. It is an honour to work for the Troutts. Kenny is an inspiration to us all. His dedication to the farm and his love for all of the team members makes us want to be the best we can be. He has taught us to not make excuses but to work very hard, and the results will come. He takes bad news better than he takes good news. This is rare for an owner. He sees the positive in every situation.