Classifieds

Freakish trotter

Legend

From the outside looking in, Rachel Arnold had everything going for her. Married in her early 20s, she received certification as a veterinary technician, secured her bachelor's degree from Auburn University, followed by her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, and had welcomed her son into the world. But inwardly, each step forward in Arnold's personal life and career was fueled by a need to prove that she had grown beyond a childhood of trauma which stemmed from a contentious relationship with her father. In spite of her professional and educational success, Arnold struggled with a secret drug addiction. In her early teens, Arnold was first prescribed anti-anxiety medication. By the time she was 15, Arnold was hooked on pills and also began drinking. By the age of 17, she had escalated to using stimulants such as cocaine and methamphetamines. “I've always had anxiety and struggled with it. But with all of the trauma from my father, I would give anything to feel normal. When I started taking the pills, I felt like I could breathe. You have zero control over things when you're a kid. You just want to be a kid,” said Arnold. “I thought I was managing and functioning fairly well. I didn't see what I was really doing, not just to myself, but to others.” After being diagnosed with Addison's disease and Neurological Lyme disease, Arnold fell further into the toxic cycle of drug use in an attempt to cope. In the meantime, the façade began to fracture, as Arnold and her husband divorced, which resulted in less time spent with her son, and she made the move from Alabama back to her home state of Kentucky. By the age of 34, Arnold was falling in and out of abusive relationships, mixed with unsuccessful trips through rehabilitation programs, and had experienced quite a few run-ins with law enforcement. Though there were many instances of feeling like she'd hit her lowest point, it was the day that Arnold was faced with the reality of potentially losing her son for good that shook her from the substance-induced haze. “His dad, who has always given me chance after chance, said, 'If this doesn't get better, you won't see him.' Knowing that I would lose [my son], that was it for me. I was facing a lot of time [in prison], and the fact that I had so many things amended down, that was huge. It was like someone was giving me this huge opportunity and all I had to do was take it,” said Arnold. “Never have I ever felt peace like I did when I was arrested. I was at the point where I didn't have anywhere to live and I was constantly struggling to feed my addiction. I'll never forget that feeling, it was like an out-of-body experience, thinking, 'Wow, maybe I'll have a chance this time.'” Arnold with Maracuja at Taylor Made | courtesy of Rachel Arnold Arnold's official sobriety date is May 19, 2022 and February of the following year, she was referred to the Stable Recovery program. After working her way through many other rehabilitation programs, Arnold thought she'd seen it all, until she set foot on Taylor Made Farm. Though she was the only female in the program at the time, Arnold never felt out of place. Instead, she once again felt a profound sense of peace. “This program helps you learn how to live sober, not just get sober. The level of care and compassion that these people show is second to none,” said Arnold. “The first time I came in, I remember sitting in a morning meditation session where everything felt so calm. I watched the sun rise in this beautiful place, knowing this experience was being gifted to me, and I thought, 'I'm doing this.'” Stable Recovery also brought Arnold back to her roots by reconnecting her with horses and reminding her why she had originally pursued a career as a veterinarian. From relearning the hands-on basics to working more closely with the broodmares, Arnold rediscovered what it was like to work and live with purpose. Along the way, she developed a special fondness for Maracuja (Honor Code), a graded stakes-winning broodmare residing at Taylor Made. “I absolutely loved her. She could be kind of spicy and I really liked that about her, but she was such a sweet soul. I really enjoyed all of my time that I spent [at Taylor Made]. After that, I went to Spy Coast Farm and worked with Julie, the vet there,” said Arnold. “Working with the horses is something I clung to. Just having them around helps. I realized I didn't need the drugs or alcohol, I could breathe without it, and that's something I had been searching for all of my life.” Arnold graduated from the Stable Recovery program in 2024 and holds the honor of being the program's first female legacy graduate, marking her completion of a full year at Stable Recovery. “It's pretty incredible to sit back and see that we now have another female legacy graduate and one more coming up. I'm so proud of these women,” said Arnold. Arnold at Taylor Made | courtesy of Rachel Arnold Women like Arnold served as inspiration for the Stable Recovery Women's Program at Spy Coast Farm, launched in September 2025, which provides women in recovery the chance to learn and grow within the sport horse industry while working to overcome addiction. Since her graduation from Stable Recovery, Arnold has had her veterinarian license reinstated, restarted her career, reconnected with her family, and relocated to Virginia to live closer to her son, who she now sees regularly. However, her most progressive step forward in recovery was taken when she came face-to-face with her father, a figure who has been the major source of pain and trauma for Arnold. “I found out he overdosed. He was on a ventilator for two weeks and they didn't think he was going to make it. During that time, I decided to go down there and see him. I felt that it was finally time to take that step. He was in a medically induced coma at the time, so my fear was manageable, and I was able to forgive him and find that closure that I never expected was possible,” said Arnold. “I know that if it weren't for God and this program, I wouldn't have been able to do that. The peace I have about it now is such a gift. My father is [currently] recovering and I'm actually able to be happy about it. My boundaries will remain, but I'm happy he's okay.” After spending the majority of her life in fight or flight mode, constantly at war with herself to prove her worth while simultaneously avoiding reality through substance abuse, Arnold is now grounded. And she's perfectly content with that. “I think that's the key, being vulnerable enough so you can figure out what it is you're missing, what you need, and how being sober can get you there. Being sober is everything. Without it, you have nothing.” Stable Recovery is a recovery housing program in Lexington, Kentucky that offers men and women in the early stages of recovery access to 12-step meetings, life skills training and-through the Taylor Made School of Horsemanship-the opportunity to develop a trade in the equine field. To learn more about Stable Recovery, click here. The post The Road Back: ‘Being Sober Is Everything’ – Arnold Reflects On Time In Stable Recovery As Program’s First Female Legacy Graduate appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

The Flat season kicks off in Ireland at the Curragh on Sunday and Brian Sheerin has spoken to some of the main protagonists ahead of the eagerly-anticipated fixture Robson Aguiar has described himself as a big fan of first-season sire Persian Force and said he expects Force Noir to get the Tally-Ho Stud resident off to the best possible start with victory in the opening two-year-old maiden of the year at the Curragh on Sunday.  Through his association with former licence holder Adrian Murray, the Brazilian native has dominated the past three runnings of the five-furlong maiden with Bucanero Fuerte, Arizona Blaze and Power Blue.  Remarkably, all three of those colts went on to win Group races – with Group 1 scorer Power Blue firmly on course for this year's 2,000 Guineas – and Aguiar says that Force Noir, who leads the stable's four-pronged attack on this year's race, compares favourably with those recent winners.  He said, “I think Force Noir is the best of mine. He should be very competitive if he can put in what he is showing us at home. Bull Shark (Mehmas), Ballinea Star (Space Blues) and What A Girl Wants (Persian Force) are really nice horses, but they will probably need the run. Force Noir is more forward than they are. He is the first choice. If the other three can learn something and progress, we will be happy.” Force Noir was a €130,000 purchase by Amo Racing from Tally-Ho Stud at the Goffs Orby Sale last year. He is a half-brother to five individual winners and is widely expected to be sent off a warm order for the Topgear At Capital Stud Irish EBF Maiden at HQ on Sunday.  Aguiar said, “I like the stallion, Persian Force. We have some nice ones by him. Even Force Noir, he is a nice horse, but I think he will have a lot more to give beyond Sunday. He could be a really nice horse later in the season – he's not just an early two-year-old. I have a very nice Persian Force colt that I will run in the Brocklesby and even What A Girl Wants, she should be a nice prospect, so I am very happy with the two-year-olds that I have by Persian Force. The ones I have, I really like them.” Speaking about where Force Noir ranks with regards to the previous winners of this race, he added, “If Force Noir can improve like I think he can, well then he could have the same ability as Power Blue, Arizona Blaze and Bucanero Fuerte. At this point in their careers, he has the same ability, so hopefully he can progress like they did. All of my horses, they start off at only 70 or 80 per cent, so they always improve. Hopefully he can be a high-level horse.” Aguiar will also be double-handed in the feature €100,000 Irish Lincolnshire with Tuscan Hills and Crypto Force. Meanwhile, the trainer provided an upbeat bulletin on Classic contenders Power Blue and Blanc De Blanc.  “Tuscan Hills is not where I want him yet and he will improve a lot from the run,” he said. “Crypto Force is fit from running on the all-weather at Dundalk over the winter and he is a horse who has a lot of back-class and we've planned this race for him for a while.” Aguiar added, “Power Blue is coming along nicely and he will run in a Guineas trial at Leopardstown next month. I am very happy with him and the plan will be to head to Newmarket. I'm not sure if Blanc De Blanc will need another run before the 1,000 Guineas or whether we go straight to Newmarket. I will make a decision closer to the time but she is very well and we are very happy with her.” Murphy Thinks Blackbeard Newcomer Will “Grow A Leg” In Testing Conditions Blackbeard -conformation-shot.jpg" alt="" width="1155" height="840" /> Blackbeard: the sire of Danny Murphy's newcomer Equus Victor | Coolmore Four brave souls will go toe-to-toe with Aguiar in the opening two-year-old maiden of the year. A daunting task, but Danny Murphy, who sends Equus Victor into battle, has never been one to shirk a challenge.  And the Curragh-based handler is reasonably optimistic about his chances of causing an upset with what is set to be the first representation of dual Group 1-winning sire Blackbeard.  “We're surrounded by Brazilians but he's a nice horse,” Murphy joked. “Now, he's out of a Fastnet Rock mare so he will probably want six or seven furlongs in time. But mine are normally sharp and Sunday's race could turn into a six-furlong race on that [heavy] ground.” He added, “Stephen Hillen bred this horse and I met him at Willie Browne's 80th birthday party in the Cashel Palace the other night. I told Stephen that the horse was running on the opening day of the season and he said, 'sure he's a February foal and is a big hardy bugger, so why wouldn't you take your chance?' I have two Blackbeards. I like this fella – and I think he'll grow a leg on this ground – but I have a filly who runs at Dundalk next week and I think she'll nearly win. She's better than this lad.” The opening juvenile race of the year evokes bittersweet memories for Mick Mulvany as it was in this contest 15 years ago when Tough As Nails, the best horse the trainer has ever had through his hands, was demoted to second after causing interference to the Jim Bolger-trained Whip Rule.  Tough As Nails went on to win his maiden before filling the frame in a Group 1 and enjoying a productive spell at stud. Mulvany remains in search of a horse of similar ability and is not in a rush to anoint Lars Soldier (Soldier's Call) as his next stable star.  “He's a grand little horse and he's ready to start but I'd say he could be up against it,” came the trainer's honest appraisal. The opposition to Aguiar is completed by Daniel O'Sullivan's Lamar River (Invincible Army) and Ruler's Control (Territories), trained by Jack Foley, who opted against providing a pre-race comment when contacted. Could that be a tip in itself? Slattery Exudes Confidence In Eastwatch Eastwatch: favourite for the Irish Lincolnshire | Racingfotos.com Trainer Andy Slattery is double-handed in the feature contest and will be hoping that Eastwatch (Make Believe) failing to sell at the Tattersalls Autumn Horses-In-Training Sale will work out to the stable's advantage this season. Eastwatch has sat at the head of the ante-post betting for the valuable handicap ever since the race was first priced up. He is the stable's first string, with Andy Slattery jnr opting to ride the unexposed four-year-old over Highbury See See (Belardo), the mount of Wayne Lordan. Slattery snr said, “Eastwatch is working well and he will love the ground. Everything has gone to plan – he's a mile-and-a-quarter horse but that's what you want to win an Irish Lincoln at this time of year. He's right up there with the best horses we have trained over this sort of trip. He's a big horse and he likes a bit of juice in the ground. He didn't get sold because there was a small vetting issue but he's a high-class horse to have in the yard and hopefully he can show that on Sunday. Highbury See See is in great form as well and seems to have improved from last year. He will love the ground and I am expecting a big run out of him as well. Eastwatch would be the number one, though.” Slattery has gone from strength to strength over both codes in recent seasons and last season's tally of 32 winners on the level represented his greatest haul.  He commented, “We had an unbelievable year last year and we were kind of waiting for it to taper off but it never did. We have a couple of really nice horses – the best bunch I'd say we've ever had.” “He Hasn't Missed A Beat” – O'Callaghan Bids To Get New Season Off To A Flyer  Michael O'Callaghan: aims to be quick out from the blocks at the Curragh | Tattersalls Michael O'Callaghan could be a man worth following on the opening day of the season. Along with fielding Noli Timere (Starspangledbanner) and new recruit Tamam Desert (Sea The Moon) in the Irish Lincoln, the trainer has a host of big chances on the undercard, including the Colin Keane-ridden pair Breaking Dawn (Twilight Son) and Hassiniya (Sands Of Mali), who boast big chances in their respective maidens.  Speaking about his Irish Lincoln challenge, O'Callaghan said, “Tamam Desert went through the ring and she interested us [bought for €41,000]. We thought her form was very good and she had a few little things that needed ironing out when she arrived. She seems to be training well and we're looking forward to getting her started. The race is obviously competitive but we just thought, off her mark [87], we could get her started here and see where we are at. We also run Noli Timere. She is good and forward and has been aimed at the race. She will like the ground. Both fillies are nice and could be up to a higher grade at some point this season. At this stage of the season, I'd probably prefer the chances of Noli Timere.” Breaking Dawn, a likely favourite for the 6f maiden [2.00pm] and Hassaniya, who boasts strong claims in the 1m maiden contest [4.55pm], will be ridden by the recently-engaged and Cheltenham Festival-winning Keane.  O'Callaghan put forward the latter as one he is quite excited about, and said, “Hassaniya is a lovely horse. He came home from the breeze-ups with sore shins and they niggled him for a while. He wasn't really a two-year-old type so, from the word go, we said we'd take our time with him, get one run into him towards the back end and look forward to this year with him, which is what we have done. He hasn't missed a beat and is in good form. The testing ground will be a bit of an unknown but he should be fine on it – the progeny of Sands Of Mali seem to handle testing ground – and he possibly will step out in trip as the season develops, so a still mile at the Curragh should be fine. He's one I am looking forward to.” Few people are better versed in the progeny of Sands Of Mali. O'Callaghan nurtured the talents of one of the stallion's first big-name stars, Copacabana Sands, while his own Classic hopes for this season appear to be pinned on Bamako Beach (Sands Of Mali), who he also acquired from the breeze-up sphere. Copacabana Sands has been moved by her owner Barbara Keller to trainer Andrew Balding while Bamako Beach is on course to get his season underway in a Guineas trial at Leopardstown next month. O'Callaghan concluded, “Bamako Beach is very exciting. He's ready to go but I don't want to bottom him out on heavy ground this early in the season. All of the bigger targets for him are in the spring and summer. He may run in a trial at Leopardstown and he has plenty of entries. He could go for the French 2,000 Guineas, the Irish 2,000 Guineas and even the German edition. He's done very well over the winter and we are looking forward to him.” The post Which One Of Aguiar’s Newcomers Is He Most Excited About And Who Are The Dangers? appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article

4th-GP, $84k, Msw, 3yo, f, 1 1/16m, 2:19 p.m. ET. Star Actress (Justify), a full-sister to champion 2-year-old filly and GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Just F Y I, stretches to two turns for her second career start for Bill Mott. The George Krikorian homebred rallied from seventh to finish a close second on debut going seven furlongs at Gulfstream Feb. 8. She earned a 73 Beyer Speed Figure for the effort. The aforementioned Just F Y I brought $4.5 million from Katsumi Yoshida at the 2025 Fasig-Tipton November sale. The field of seven also includes the debuting Arcana (Good Magic), a $700,000 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga yearling. She is owned by November Hill and trained by Ian Wilkes. TJCIS PPS 6th-GP, $84k, Msw, 3yo, f, 7f, 3:23 p.m. ET. Emory A. Hamilton homebred Answered Prayers (Speightstown), a full-sister to GI Jockey Club Gold Cup S. winner and young Gainesway stallion Olympiad, debuts from post one for Bill Mott. Junior Alvarado rides. Her worktab includes a bullet four-furlong move in :48 (1/53) at Payson Park Feb. 20. TJCIS PPS 6th-OP, $110k, Msw, 3yo, 6f, 4:07 p.m. ET. Black Star (Independence Hall), a $700,000 OBS April breezer, debuts for Winchell Thoroughbreds and St. Elias Stable and trainer Steve Asmussen. Asmussen will also unveil BC Stables's Vintage Cowboy (Essential Quality), a $500,000 Keeneland September yearling and half-brother to millionaire Coppola (Into Mischief). The field of eight also includes: the Dallas Stewart-trained and rail-drawn American Man (Maclean's Music), a $475,000 OBS April purchase by Gervais Racing; and $450,000 Keeneland September graduate Noble Anthem (Essential Quality), who debuts for Bowen Thoroughbred Racing and trainer Ron Moquett. TJCIS PPS 3rd-SA, $70k, Msw, 3yo, 6fT, 5:05 p.m. ET. Hall of Famer Bob Baffert will unveil a pair of pricey Fasig-Tipton Saratoga graduates in this turf dash. Newton (Munnings), a $975,000 FTSAUG yearling and half-brother to GSW Twenty Carat (Into Mischief), exits from post one with Florent Geroux aboard. He was produced by a half-sister to GI Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf heroine Shared Account. Kelce (Quality Road), an $850,000 FTSAUG yearling, is drawn in post three with Juan Hernandez at the controls. His MGSW dam Vertical Oak (Giant Oak) is also responsible for SW & GISP Giant Mischief (Into Mischief). He is the 5-2 morning-line favorite. Both are campaigned by the powerhouse partnership of SF Racing, Starlight Racing, Madaket Stables, Stonestreet Stables, Bashor Racing, Determined Stables, Golconda Stable, Waves Edge Capital and Catherine Donovan. TJCIS PPS The post Sunday’s Racing Insights: Full-Sister to Olympiad Debuts at Gulfstream appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. View the full article