As Wade Phillips has spent a profession teaching within the Nationwide Soccer League, together with stints as head coach for 3 completely different groups and serving as defensive coordinator for the 2016 Tremendous Bowl winning-Denver Broncos, he is aware of all concerning the anticipation forward of an enormous sporting occasion.
As a part of the partnership behind Grasp the Moon, who will enter the beginning gate for the $2 million Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf Nov. 2 at Del Mar off back-to-back Grade 2 wins, Phillips is embracing these vibes.
“Having our horse Grasp the Moon within the Breeders’ Cup is like having a staff within the Tremendous Bowl,” Phillips stated.
Cheering on the 4-year-old Uncle Mo filly is a various possession group that features individuals with backgrounds in racing, sure, but in addition politics, racing media, and prime skilled sports activities. Veteran racetrack government Corey Johnsen serves because the president of CJ Thoroughbreds and his son C.J. is vice chairman. Corey Johnsen is a former half proprietor of Kentucky Downs and presently serves as interim CEO of the Maryland Thoroughbred Racetrack Working Authority.
The vice chairman of enterprise improvement for CJ Thoroughbreds is retired NFL receiver Mike Renfro, who performed 11 years within the league for the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Oilers. Renfro was drafted in 1978 by the Oilers, who have been then coached by Bum Phillips — Wade Phillips’ dad. Wade Phillips served as an assistant coach with the Oilers from 1976-80 — which launched his NFL teaching profession.
Johnsen as president and CEO of Lone Star Park helped deliver the Breeders’ Cup to the observe in Grand Prairie, Texas. Johnson met Renfro within the Nineteen Nineties they usually labored collectively on the opening of the observe and touchdown the 2004 Breeders’ Cup. Renfro introduced Phillips in on the Grasp the Moon partnership.
That partnership isn’t restricted to NFL athletes and coaches although as former NHL goaltender Ben Bishop III, and his father Ben Bishop are also companions. One of many tallest goaltenders in NHL historical past at 6-foot, 7-inches, Ben III performed 13 years within the league with stops at St. Louis, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Los Angeles, and Dallas.
The group additionally consists of Kentucky state senator Damon Thayer, the Senate Ground Majority Chief. As senator, the previous Breeders’ Cup government has backed pro-industry laws within the commonwealth, together with historic horse racing, which has introduced large will increase in purses for homeowners and put the tracks on higher footing.
And rounding out the partnership is Mike Joyce, who serves as a number, analyst, and reporter on FanDuel TV.
Phillips has loved the partnership and is wanting ahead to attending this yr’s Breeders’ Cup.
“Being in firm with these class of horses within the Breeders’ Cup is fairly neat,” Phillips stated. “Grasp the Moon has confirmed large pace. While you coach soccer, highly effective acceleration is paramount. That’s what you see on this horse.”
Phillips traces his love of racing to his father, who acquired within the sport whereas teaching the New Orleans Saints. He started to frequent Honest Grounds.
“Dad owned a number of racehorses,” Phillips stated. “The primary one he owned gained the primary race out, so I assume I’m a chip off the block.”
Whereas Grasp the Moon might be making the primary Grade 1 begin of her profession when she faces a global discipline aligned for this yr’s 1 3/8-mile Filly & Mare Turf, she does enter with some momentum and a latest win on the course. On Sept. 7 Grasp the Moon earned her first graded stakes win Sept. 7 at Del Mar when she rallied from seventh to attain by a half-length within the John C. Mabee Stakes. She adopted that effort with a transparent victory within the Rodeo Drive Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
Grasp the Moon is skilled by Phil D’Amato and Kazushi Kimura was aboard for each her latest Grade 2 wins.
Bred in Kentucky by Repole Steady, the filly out of the profitable Malibu Moon mare Moondance was bought by CJ Thoroughbreds for $200,000 on the 2021 Keeneland September yearling sale, the place she was consigned by Brookdale Gross sales.
CJ Thoroughbreds beforehand competed within the Breeders’ Cup in 2021 when Sally’s Curlin completed seventh within the Filly & Mare Dash. CJ Thoroughbreds owned Sally’s Curlin in partnership with Left Flip Racing and Casner Racing.
