Crupper's Journey to the Preakness: A Tale of Perseverance and Legacy
In the world of horse racing, where dreams and reality intertwine, the story of Crupper is a testament to the power of perseverance and the magic of legacy. This 3-year-old colt, with a name that echoes through the halls of racing, has captured the hearts of many, including the legendary owner/breeder, Robert Zoellner.
Zoellner, a visionary in the industry, found himself in a predicament in the spring of 2023. With only three broodmares, one of which had failed to conceive the previous year and another whose foal had tragically passed away, the odds seemed stacked against him. Yet, against all odds, Crupper emerged as the sole 3-year-old in his racing stable, destined for the prestigious Preakness Stakes.
"If there are about 20,000 foals and half are fillies, your chance is just one in 10,000," Zoellner mused. "I feel like I've won the lottery." This sentiment encapsulates the sheer serendipity of Crupper's journey, a journey that has captivated the racing world.
Crupper's story is not just about his remarkable success on the track. It's a tale of mentorship and friendship. Keith Crupper, a close associate of Zoellner, was instantly smitten with the colt from the moment he was born. Raised on Keith's farm near Paris, Kentucky, Crupper developed into a dominant force, always standing out among his peers.
"He FaceTimed me when he was born; he was so excited," Zoellner recalled. "Even the night he was born, he was just taken with him." This early connection between Keith and Crupper set the stage for a unique bond that would later become a source of inspiration for Zoellner.
The colt's name, Crupper, pays homage to Keith, who had been the first to recognize his potential. "I'm going to name this colt after you. This is the most you've ever talked about a horse since I've known you," Zoellner said, acknowledging Keith's unwavering belief in Crupper's abilities.
Crupper's journey to the Preakness has been a testament to his resilience. After a slow start, he found his stride with the addition of blinkers and increased distance. His victory in the Bathhouse Row Stakes at Oaklawn Park not only secured his spot in the Preakness but also showcased his growing prowess.
Zoellner's enthusiasm for Crupper's success is palpable. "This horse Crupper, he's a third-generation baby of mine, to have that legacy of his parents and grandparents, to see him mature," he said. "Every step of the way, there are traps and snares waiting for him, right? And then to get through all of that, get to the races and now to be at this level. Every race he's been in, they've said he doesn't have a chance. He's the Rodney Dangerfield of horse racing."
The owner's passion extends beyond the track. He envisions a future where Crupper becomes a symbol of success, standing in stud in Kentucky and leaving an indelible mark on the sport for generations to come. "If this horse wins and we get him in Kentucky standing in stud, he'd be in pedigrees on the sale (catalog) pages for 80 years," Zoellner proclaimed.
As Crupper prepares for the Preakness, the racing world eagerly awaits his performance. With a 30-1 morning line, he embodies the spirit of the underdog, a horse that has defied expectations and captured the hearts of many. Zoellner's dream of hitting the board in the Preakness, regardless of the outcome, is a testament to the joy and unpredictability of horse racing.
In the end, Crupper's journey is a reminder that sometimes, the most extraordinary things can happen when perseverance meets legacy. It's a story that continues to unfold, leaving an indelible mark on the world of horse racing and inspiring us all to embrace the unexpected.
