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| Staff Writer |
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The journey of Seize the Grey, culminating in a victory at the 2024 Gr.1 Preakness Stakes, is a testament to meticulous training and a shared passion for excellence. Trained at Wavertree Stables in Ocala, Florida, under the skilled guidance of Ciaran Dunne and Amy, this remarkable racehorse has garnered attention for its prowess both on and off the track. Wavertree Stables, known for producing top-tier talent, now counts Seize the Grey as part of its roster of successful graduates, reflecting the quality training overseen by the Dunnes.
MyRacehorse, the ownership group behind the US$300,000 Saratoga Sale purchase, saw potential in this talented offspring of Arrogate and entrusted its development to the Wavertree, contingent to the trainer being open to the idea of shareholders being involved in their racehorse from the beginning.
Ciaran Dunne's daughter, Caitlin, brought a fresh perspective to the family business when she joined the MyRacehorse ownership group in 2021. Her vision was clear: provide shareholders with an immersive, on-site experience. This initiative led to Wavertree Stables hosting tours for enthusiastic investors who yearned for a behind-the-scenes look at their horses in training.
"We started doing the tours and seeing the pleasure that people got from coming out and seeing what we take for granted on a day-to-day basis," shared Ciaran. "When you see how far people are willing to travel just to have that little bit of time up close and personal with the horses, and realize for them it wasn't all about dollars and sense, that was kind of refreshing."
During a grand tour of Wavertree in the fall of 2022, few could have predicted the future brilliance of Seize the Grey. A slow developer, both mentally and physically, Seize the Grey wasn’t an overnight sensation. "A lot of horses take a big growth spurt in October/November time. He really didn't, he kind of hung. Probably over Christmas, we were a little worried if he was ever going to develop,” said Ciaran.
However, as the spring of his 2YO season approached, the colt who was later trained by te legendary Hall of Famer, Wayne Lukas, began to display a newfound focus. Known for his curiosity and eagerness to take on new challenges, the colt thrived under the disciplined training program.
"We said at the time that he was a horse that would really suit Wayne's program because he was a horse that thrived on work and routine," Ciaran noted.
Fast forward a year, and Seize the Grey stands at the pinnacle of racing success, having clinched the prestigious Gr.1 Preakness Stakes. This triumph puts him in contention to join the ranks of legendary horses such as Justify, aiming to conquer multiple jewels of the Triple Crown, with the Gr.1 Belmont Stakes at Saratoga on the horizon.
Seize the Grey's evolution from a hesitant young horse to a celebrated champion is more than just an inspiring tale—it's a testament to the transformative power of patient training, unwavering dedication, and the magic that happens when true passion meets unparalleled expertise.