Pyro is a three year-old colt out of Pulpit and Wild Vision out of Wild Again. He was born February 19, 2005. Last year, he had a mixed record, with 4: 1-2-1. He ended up in second place behind War Pass for Eclipse Award Champion 2 year-old. So, he's been sort of resting since his last race this past October.Over the winter, he gained weight and became more manly. He's been training at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans and has had 5 published workouts since January 12th, including 2 with the fabulous Eclipse Horse of the Year, Curlin, who leaves for Dubai this coming Friday. He's had great workouts, but he disappointed his trainer this past Tuesday, by burning up way too much energy in his breezing workout. His trainer said he better not do that going into the Derby.
Didn't seem to matter today! He was in the Grade 3 $300,000 1 mile dirt race, the Risen Stakes, with 10 other horses just a few minutes ago! And he raced in back of the pack, dead last, for the entire race, UNTIL he came around the final turn. He waited until the track got good and straight and the horses floated out and then suddenly BOOM, it was like he was in his own personal race. He just sped past the other horses, relaxed, big, moving, gaining. He won! He won gaining speed. He won coming on. He won building, snaking, zooming. He won ready for more. It was truly amazing and inspiring.
And so surprising. I was watching that race, wondering what happened to him? Was he hurt? Was he intimidated? Was his trainer right and he had nothing left to give after a hard workout this week? Had he been hard bumped? What was going on with Pyro especially after his workout lessons with Horse of the Year, Curlin! Well, my heart just danced when I saw that he was ready to use his champion nature to keep on racing. Make a real race right at the end! I am so happy for him. This race happened just within the hour, so hopefully, he's still getting hugs and kisses and pets from his happy family, trainer, jockey, grooms, and fans. What a good boy!