By JENNIE REES — Statement from trainer Dale Romans on Dennis’ Moment, the odds-on favorite in the TVG Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, who stumbled badly at the start and came in last:
“It seems like he cooled out fine so far. It was just bad racing luck. If you run at this level, you can’t overcome it. He’ll fly back to Churchill Downs, his home base, tonight. He’ll be thoroughly checked in the morning by his regular veterinarian, John Garrity, and we’ll lay out a plan to get him to the Derby next year.
“It’s about as bad a thing as I’ve had in my career. But when I saw him come back healthy, let’s just say it’s a kick in the gut. I just love this horse. For him, I feel bad that he didn’t get a chance to show himself. Win, lose or draw all you want is a fair shake. He just had no chance. You know, it happens. It could have been so much worse, that’s the good thing. The fact that we lost the biggest race in his life (so far) for a championship, it’s bad. But he’ll be back.”
Jennie Rees, for Kentucky HBPA, Ellis Park and Kentucky Downs, is an HRI contributor
