Triple Crown contenders we grew to love this year- part 1. Archarcharch

This segment is going to be centered around some of the Triple Crown contenders we all grew to know and love. As you can see, the first part is about Archarcharch, the horse who pulled a huge upset in the Arkansas derby and earned a spot into the Kentucky Derby.

Archarcharch is a son of Arch and no one expected him to be in the derby, but he earned a spot by upsetting the favorite in the Arkansas derby. Before the derby I became attached to him because of his beauty. He is a tall and nearly black, and he has the 'feel good" story behind him. His trainer is the father in law of the jockey, and this horse was the trainer's first horse to be in the derby. He wasnt from a huge farm in Kentucky, but a modest farm located in Arkansas. I picked him as one of my favorites in the derby and I didnt base it on his sire or mother, but I based it on his running style and his connections. He liked to race in midpack and make a huge stretch run in the end, which he used to win the Arkansas Derby. On derby day, the handicappers once again overlooked him and placed him as a "long shot", but I stood with him and placed him in all of my exactas and to WPS. I was even more sure that he could pull it off after the track turned out to be like it was in the AK derby and continued to hope he could do it. During the post parade, he looked magnificent and his coat glowed in the sunshine and he looked calm and collected. He looked like a champion and he looked like he was ready to run and hopefully win. Once they broke out of the gate, I couldnt see him because the stampede of horses was so large and he kinda just blended in. I found him and I had a hunch that he was not running well and I hoped it was just my mind talking. Once the race was over and AK headed to the winner's circle, I noticed a horse ambulance rush by and no Archarcharch came back. I later learned from the media that he had an injury and was going to have surgery but his career was likely over. Unfortunately he will never race again and we never know if he could have won the Triple Crown, or won the summer race series, or maybe pulled an upset in the Breeders Cup, but I am happy to report he is now at a beautiful farm in KY, living the good life as a stud and enjoying his retirement.

May he have a good, happy life!