Letter to the Editor: Letter to The Coach

[Wandering Eyes]

Hey Boss.

I think you saw, but I saddled my 10th winner earlier this week. I know you told me you'd be long dead before I won the Kentucky Derby, but you did get to see me win at Churchill Downs.

Every time I saddle a horse, I think about the first time I saddled for you. It was Cold as Hell at Oaklawn Park. I forgot the pommel pad, and you told me to get out of the way, that you'd finish saddling him yourself. I didn't talk back to you much, but that day I told you I was going to finish what I started.

Well Boss, I did it. I've got 10 horses now–nice horses. You know that filly that I asked you for advice on how to prepare her for a mile race? She finished second going a mile, all thanks to your training guidance.

It's lonely here without you. I always thought I'd be able to get your advice whenever I needed it, but now I'm having to live off of what you taught me in the past. I guess the cell phone signal isn't too good up there, but maybe it's because you still have a flip phone.

Speaking of phone calls, I'll never forget what you said to me when I called you the morning after my first heartbreak. After reassuring me I was going to be okay, you told me about a quote that says, 'We love over a hundred people in our lifetime.'

That scared me to death when you said it. I thought, 'Ninety-nine people are going to hurt me this badly in this lifetime?' But as I've gotten older, I understand it more. I've loved some good people and I'm glad you're one of them.

Your open-door policy was amazing. You always made everyone feel so loved and invited. You know, I still try to compliment three people every day. I remember that advice too.

I remember you also told me, 'When someone in an authority position tells you something, don't explain your side–just say, 'Yessir.”

Yessir.

I don't think I ever got to tell you, but you were one of the best examples of the Bible story about the prodigal son coming home. That's how I felt the first time I stepped back into your office after quitting. I was so nervous, but you accepted me with open arms and even helped get me the job with Dallas Stewart.

It meant so much to me–when I was apologizing to you, that you wouldn't let me sit in my own shame. You just told me to put my shoulders back and get ready to do something.

You didn't know it, but you showed me a lot about Jesus. Your kindness, forgiveness, need for excellence, ability to love people at different levels, and your willingness to be interrupted weren't just signs of a good horse trainer, but also of a good man. I needed that example in my life.

Anyway Boss, I just wanted to write and thank you for all the things you taught me–on and off the track. You made us all feel so loved. Every one of us feels like we were your best friend. I hope I can leave a legacy like that.

See you soon. With love,

Jade Cunningham

   From a racing family, Jade Cunningham previously galloped for D. Wayne Lukas and worked as an assistant trainer for Dallas Stewart before going out on her own as a trainer in 2023.

The post Letter to the Editor: Letter to The Coach appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.

View the full article