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,
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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
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
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-
Saratoga select yearling sale?
By T.D. THORNTON
