Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 4, 2024

A good Monday morning to you all! Breeders’ Cup is in the rear view mirror, and I understand that whether or not someone enjoyed a big horse racing event is severely slanted by whether or not we personally won or our favorite horses and connections scored. 

I can only say I thoroughly enjoyed this year’s edition of the Breeders’ Cup. I thought the races were all very competitive, including the undercard events. There were some big prices, some good prices, some logical winners, and some shockers. No jockeys or trainers dominated the two days, which meant things got spread around. Weather was good, the track seemed to be playing mostly fair and horses won from all over the place. Exactly the things I want from a Breeders’ Cup. 

I was trying to think of what were the standout moments for me, and in all honesty there were several. One was seeing jockey Drayden Van Dyke go back to Southern California and not only get a big win, but a Breeders’ Cup win as he guided Soul of an Angel to a last-to-first win in the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1). 

Drayden came on my podcast a few weeks ago and we talked about his move to South Florida, as well as the last couple of years that saw him struggle with riding and even take some time away from the game. He was very open about his battles on and off the track, and any time someone is open with sharing their journey, it always makes me root for them. 

Jockeys more than maybe anyone in racing can have some pretty big career swings. It’s part of what makes the riders who can stay on top for so many years so incredible, because navigating the dangers of the job as well as the need to keep on the good horses, well, it’s just very tough. And even if you’re riding well, that doesn't mean you’re going to win, which has to make some of the dips very hard to deal with. Big appreciation to all of our jocks out there at all levels. I know it isn’t easy.  

There were a number of folks who won their first Breeders’ Cup races this weekend, including trainer Cherie DeVaux, whose runner, More Than Looks, also went last to first to win the Mile (G1). The race was fantastic as the Mile usually is. In her post-race interview Cherie gave a beautiful tribute to her mentor and a friend to many in racing, Chuck Simon. It was poignant, heartfelt, and I think made everyone who knew Chuck think about him on Saturday. A truly beautiful moment. 

Part of what is so enjoyable about seeing people achieve these big career milestones for the first time is that it’s usually a pinnacle moment of a long journey. Cherie was an assistant trainer for like 20 years before going on her own. Drayden has been slowly building his career back up in South Florida after a tough couple of years. These races we run usually only last a minute or two, but the work leading up to them for all involved is months, years, and decades in the making. 

I’d love to hear from readers what their favorite moments from the weekend were. Find us on Twitter/X @twinspires and @beemieawards and let us know!