While every other horse racing blog is posting 'Thank You, American Pharoah's, I figured I would post a thank you to each and every horse who has had an effect on me. After much thought, I have decided to base the order on their effect rather than chronologically based on their racing careers. Without further a due, Itsmyluckyday.
One of the plainest bays in horse racing, it wasn't his beauty that originally caught my eye. It was his sire, Lawyer Ron, that did so. I saw him break his maiden at Monmouth Park and he showed potential. Although it was a small, four horse field, Itsmyluckyday was driving for the finish line. His first stakes start (blacktype) ended in an unexpected third. However, it is important to note the race was five furlongs over turf. After a few blacktype wins and a disappointing sixth in the Delta Downs Jackpot, Itsmyluckyday started to disappear from my radar.
The colt grabbed my attention once more. He had finished first in the Holy Bull Stakes, ahead of Champion 2-Year Old Shanghai Bobby. A few months later, the Derby was finally here. I would finally get to watch my favorite horse take on the best of the crop. I vividly remember looking over to my stack of Bloodhorse magazines. At the top of the stack, February 2, 2013, 'Holy Smokes! Itsmyluckyday's record-breaking Holy Bull'. And then, there he was. The camera was now aimed directly at number 12, a plain bay colt by Lawyer Ron. For the first time, I was nervous about a horse race. I had only been interested in racing since last year and I had already found a horse who, at the time I hadn't know it, would change everything for me.
As they loaded into the gate, my stomach churned and I heard pounding in my ears. It was finally time. Vyjack was the last horse to load. Seconds later, the field broke from the gate. Palace Malice went to the lead and coming around the turn, Itsmyluckyday switched between fifth and sixth position. However, it wasn't his day and he ended up fifteenth. It was only my second Kentucky Derby and I, not going to lie, was pretty disappointed. I wasn't done with him, not even close. Right after the race, I sat down and wrote the colt a letter. I chickened out and never sent it to any of his connections, but the letter has found a home in my dresser. I'm glad I still have it. I look back at it often and chuckle at myself. In it, I called him "a Triple Crown winner in my eyes" and said something along the lines of, "if I could own any horse, it would be you". The things I did as a horse-obsessed, love-struck eleven year old.
Itsmyluckyday, much to my delight, finished second in the Preakness. I was actually sick that day so I just sat on the couch and yelled my encouragement. I was scared that Mylute would actually finish ahead of him and I was so relieved that Itsmyluckyday finished second. When he got hurt in the Pegasus Stakes, it hurt. And it hurt bad. I didn't watch the race, thankfully. But I did hear afterwards that it was a pelvic fracture. It was the first time a horse that I liked had actually been injured. It was weird to see his workout tab empty. When he returned, it was like he never lost his form. By the time the Woodward Handicap had come around, I had complete confidence in him. In fact, I even wrote "Since the Lawyer Ron colt ran in the Holy Bull I have been hooked on him. Itsmyluckyday's best races have been the Preakness (1 3/16 mile) and the Florida Derby (1 1/8 mile), both of which he came second. In his past three races the colt has gone undefeated. Lawyer Ron won the Risen Star (1 1/16 mile), Rebel Stakes (1 1/16 mile) and the Arkansas Derby (1 1/8 mile). He came 12th in the Kentucky Derby before a 2nd in the Super Derby (1 1/8 mile). He ran in the 2006 & 2007 Classic (9th & 7th), the '07 Classic was his final race. Lawyer Ron is by Met Mile winner, Langfuhr. In '96 he won all but one of his grade one stakes, losing to Lit de Justice in the Breeders' Cup Sprint (6 furlongs). The dam of Itsmyluckyday, Viva La Slew, won twice out of twenty tries. Her wins were at two furlongs and one mile. I am very high on this horse and the last time he raced against these horses he came 2nd."
And he beat them. He threw his head in front of Moreno and beat him. It was such a good race; I was so proud of him. In my opinion, the Woodward was the performance of his life. He beat really good horses in that race and honestly, I could not be prouder. When he finished ninth in the Cigar Mile, I knew something was wrong. Itsmyluckyday didn't perform like that unless something happened. For a final career start, it was slightly disappointing. However, I was still proud of all that he had done in his career.
When I started to think about a trip to Kentucky, the first horse I wanted to meet was Itsmyluckyday. I looked around Spendthrift's website and after reading through all the pages, I realized my dreams of meeting him may not come true. I wasn't going to admit defeat trying everything I could. I took a stab in the dark and sent a message through their contact us form. Only minutes later, I received a reply from Mark Toothaker. My dream trip is falling into place and it wouldn't be possible without Mr. Toothaker.
After everything I've been through that involves this horse, it's nice to be able to say, I love you, Itsmyluckday. I'll see you soon, bud.
