Tribute to Genuine Risk - Horse Fair 2008

TRIBUTE
Our 2008 Horse Fair is dedicated in honor of champion Genuine Risk, who graced our racetrack with a victory lap, months after her win in the 1980 Kentucky Derby. While she never raced at Calder, thanks to her owners, the Firestones, Genuine Risk appeared here to be met by her fans. The Firestones' dedication became a lifelong love affair with the bright chestnut filly. They felt for her as she struggled to become a mother over many years. Finally in 1993, her first baby was born, appropriately named Genuine Reward, later followed by Count Our Blessing. The sheer joy the Firestones had for the mare spilled over into the racing world as she was featured in many magazines with her baby. Her owners watched her take on a second career over time, serving as the watch mare over other younger mares and teaching them the ropes in the pastures. As time passed, "Ginny's" coat became woolly from age and her gait a bit slower. The Firestones then gave her a paddock at their Virginia farm to spend her days in relaxation. Visitors still continued to come annually to see her even after so much time had passed since her greatest triumphs.

A lifelong love for horses in our sport, like Genuine Risk, is felt by owners and fans alike. So when Genuine Risk passed at the grand old age of 31 in August, we can't help but remember her determination, drive, grace and heart both on and off the track that captured our hearts for so long. It is what we feel each time a Thoroughbred graces our track and why, even after racing, we do our best to live up to their expectations of us. It is this reason that we honor the noble horse today, because it can simply take a horse to bring out the best in us.