O’Neill Grateful for Nyquist and Team O’Neill

When Nyquist galloped to win the Kentucky Derby, he became only the eighth undefeated victor to win the roses since 1915. Simultaneously, Doug O’Neill became the 11th trainer to win the coveted race twice. Since 1915, 34 horses have won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes. On Saturday, May 21st, Doug O’Neill looks to add another Preakness victory to his resume, saddling the favorite once again in the 141st rendition of the race.

O’Neill and his team are a lively bunch. While O’Neill is doing a press conference, Jack Sisterson (assistant trainer) is tending to horses in the shed row. Steve Rothblum (racing manager) is greeting one of Pimlico’s sunrise tour groups that has gathered outside the barn. Angie Stevens (Marketing and PR for Nyquist and also wife to jockey Gary Stevens) is coordinating interviews, making sure the team is on the same page and has all the necessary passes for the day ahead. And Leandro Mora (head assistant trainer) is out front keeping an eye on Nyquist, who is taking a bath after his morning jog.

“I hope he repeats his Florida race,” Mora says, referring to the Florida Derby and the ease with which the colt won. “For me, that race was more nerve-wracking than the Kentucky Derby because so many people were saying he couldn’t do it. That win, it meant so much.”

Pimlico — one of the most iconic racetracks in the sport. Champions have traveled here; legends have left their marks here. The grandstand holds memories of decades past; race calls that accompanied thousands of cheering fans as they witnessed a Kentucky Derby winner go on to capture the second jewel of the Triple Crown. From the grandstand to the backside, its history is unparalleled.

Like Pimlico, Team O’Neill has history here, too. In 2012, I’ll Have Another won the Preakness by a neck over Bodemeister after a thrilling stretch drive. They didn’t know it then, but the Triple Crown bid would never race again, as an injury would sideline the colt for good just three weeks later — the day before the Belmont Stakes.

I’ll Have Another… what a coincidence. Could the 2012 champion possibly be an omen of what’s to come on Saturday? Will Team O’Neill get another shot at racing’s Triple Crown?

There’s a lot riding on this race and a lot riding on this undefeated son of Uncle Mo. Nyquist has done everything that’s been asked of him, and then some. He’s intelligent, athletic and his record is proof that he is exceptionally talented.

O’Neill feels privileged to have him. “To have a horse that can win sprinting and distance races is very special. It’s a blessing to have him in the barn and to be a part of his journey.”

And so, the story goes that where there is success there is always opposition. Thankfully, Team O’Neill is a close-knit family with a passion for the sport and appreciation for the horses that make it all possible.

“There’s a lot of negativity out there, and it’s easy to get upset if you get too caught up in it because it’s like they’re insulting one of your kids,” explains O’Neill. “We’re always very positive and like to keep good energy around.  It keeps us going, and the horses feed off of it.”

A first generation trainer, O’Neill got involved at the track when he was in highschool. “I started as a hotwalker and worked my way up from there. My dad loved the horses and loved coming to the races, but I had no family directly involved in the industry. It was a lot of work, but all of those years of hotwalking, grooming and being an assistant trainer were such a blessing.”

Just two weeks apart from the Kentucky Derby, the second jewel of racing’s Triple Crown is not meant to be easy. While Nyquist has answered many questions, he has yet to answer whether or not he can run just as strong with the added stress of travel on half the amount of rest. Team O’Neill is confident in the colt and his abilities, but the rest is up to fate.

Looking back on the past and forward to Saturday, Doug O’Neill is just grateful to be a part of this adventure and to be at the heart of a team that genuinely loves the sport for everything that it offers. “To be back in Baltimore with a horse like Nyquist, doing what I love, surrounded by such an amazing team — it’s one of the best feelings in the world.”

By: Claudia L. Ruiz