R
acing revels in a nar-
rative. It cheers the
underdog and sub-
tly rolls its collective
eyes at the well-fan-
cied blue-blood.
Adoring its humble
figures and finding
ways to flaw the forthright, the Sport of
Kings, crowns and castle balls willingly
rides the waves of eternally twisting plot
lines, while hoping for Cinderella to earn
her way from soot to celebrity.
What happens, though, when a character
comes along who is so dynamic in nature
that the industry cannot help but cheer for
their success, no matter how privileged or
plain-spoken they may be? Someone whose
energy outweighs any archetype; whose
nature overrides the narrative, turning said
paradigm upside-down.
Such is the case with Charlotte We-
ber, whose Live Oak operation — Planta-
tion (stable) and Stud (farm) — is having
a remarkable 2017, including a champi-
onship-worthy winning performance by
homebred World Approval in the GI Breed-
ers' Cup Mile. Decades into the sport, one
of the heirs to the Campbell's Soup dynas-
ty has, much like said product, flourished
against the fire; developing a world-class
racing operation, enviable broodmare band
and state-of-the-art farm that can each
hold their own against any on the planet.
As well-rounded in delivery as the red
polka dots on her familiar silks, Weber does
things her way, but is wise with her coun-
sel. Competitive, clever and candid, she
