TDN Weekend December 2016 Issue 9
Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/816510
The Kentucky Derby has long rep-resented the culmination of a dream. But if you trace back the incredible story of Susan and Charles Chu to learn what inspired a Taiwanese couple that had never been involved in racing to embrace the sport to the point where they now campaign an Eclipse Award champion, run a rapidly expand- ing bloodstock start-up, and passionate- ly but quietly support numerous equine aftercare and retirement organizations, you'll find that a lark of a trip they took to the Derby as casual fans in 2012 was not some climactic endpoint, but the spark that started it all. The Chus' remark- able recent fortunes could be chalked up to fantastic luck. But attributing their achievements solely to fate would be a disservice to the determination and perseverance that enabled their entry into the sport. How many newly inspired Thoroughbred owners are willing to fly cross-country to cold-call, in person, one of the preeminent trainers in the game to seek help in starting a racing stable from scratch? How many owners have the very first racehorse they purchase win a graded stakes race on the Triple Crown prep trail? Or have the second crop they buy at auction yield both a Derby starter and an eventual Breeders' Cup race win- ner? Or see the first foal from their first broodmare approach seven figures at a Saratoga select yearling sale? By T.D. THORNTON