Fans Wish Folded Wings Good Luck

On a sunny morning at Churchill Downs in May, two weeks after the Kentucky Derby had been run, hundreds of horses took to the track. Among them were a number of horses who had accomplished great things, some of which would soon reach even more remarkable achievements. The 2014 Champion Three-Year-Old Filly Untapable went out for a gallop, as did graded stakes winners like Airoforce and Gun Runner. Even Tepin – the 2015 Champion Turf Female who would, just weeks later, go on to win at Royal Ascot – and Creator - who, in three weeks’ time, would become the Belmont Stakes winner – made an appearance. But lost in the shuffle was another special Thoroughbred, one whose name does not have a list of racing accolades next to it quite like the aforementioned horses do. But she has a different type of accomplishments associated with her – the kind providing those who love her with joy and hope. Her name: Folded Wings.

In December of 2015, Folded Wings’ story was shared here for the first time on the pages of Horse Racing Nation (please read it here if you have not already). The story of how Jeremy McDaniel had sold his dream car to pay for the critical medical treatment of his wife, Lacey McDaniel, was enough to bring tears to one’s eyes. But the heartwarming tale does not end there. With money left over after selling the car and paying for Lacey’s treatment, the McDaniels purchased a filly named Folded Wings. Since then, the daughter of Lemon Drop Kid has taken them – and her trainer, Danielle Rosier – on a remarkable journey, one that has touched many others along the way.

Today, Folded Wings will return to the races for the first time since she officially broke her maiden at Churchill Downs last November. After a winter full of hardships for the now five-year-old mare, and a spring consisting of becoming fit for racing again, Folded Wings is entered in a one-mile turf allowance, the seventh race on the card. But her connections won’t be the only ones cheering her on. People who know or have learned of Wings’ story will be rooting for the team, as well, and would like to share how Folded Wings and her connections have inspired them as they wish the team good luck. . .

Katie Clawson, jockey, family friend of Danielle and the McDaniels, and occasional exercise rider for Folded Wings:

“Last summer, Wings was a huge part of keeping me going while I was recovering from my broken neck and getting used to not being on a horse every day for the first time in years. She not only affects the people directly associated with her, but others, as well. I can attest to that.”

Lawrence Van Garrett, racing fan and photographer, and friend of Wings’ connections:

“They mean the world to me. Two people with the biggest hearts and more passion for their one horse than a ten-time Derby-winning trainer with 100 horses. They seem to have done so much for so many people with Wings. They have helped remind us that winning lots of races and money is less important compared to how our good deeds and character affects those far and wide.”

Olivia Friesen, racing fan and freelance photographer:

“Folded Wings has a love story I just want to read over and over, and not because of her success. Too many people focus solely on the horse and not enough on the people behind the horse. Jeremy’s love for Lacey is more touching than what scriptwriters could come up with for a movie plot, and the dedication Danielle has to Wings isn’t something you can pull out of thin air. There is no doubt that Wings has heart and is rightly nicknamed ‘Red Ruffian.’ But I believe she runs on love. How could she not with people like that behind her? Wings is a horse that goes beyond racing; she is a symbol of strength and inspiration, a light in people’s lives. And if there was ever a quote her connections could say about her, it would be, ‘When the sun is shining, I can do anything; no mountain is too high, no trouble too difficult to overcome,’ (Wilma Rudolph) because clearly, Folded Wings is a ray of sunshine.”

Sam Bussanich, racing fan and Eclipse Sportswire photographer:

“Folded Wings is more than just a horse to young racing fans. Seeing this horse run is more than just a horse running a race; it’s a deeper connection than that. And I want to say thank you to everyone a part of Team Folded Wings for never giving up! Good luck, Wings!”

Catherine Arndt, racing fan:

“Thank you so much for the opportunity to learn the story of Folded Wings. The McDaniels’ courage and strength throughout the journey, leading to the discovery of this magnificent filly, is riveting. Thank you for inspiring me to seek strength and never give up. I am so excited to see Danielle and Folded Wings at their season debut! I hope for safe and successful trips this season!”

Grace Clark, racing fan, freelance photographer, and Old Friends at Kentucky Downs volunteer:

“The story of Folded Wings is one of those that keeps me in racing. After seeing the same people win at every track with the big name/money horses, as someone not born into racing, it gets discouraging. But Wings’ story is one of hope that simply puts a smile on my face. I can’t wait to see where her and her connections are led, as I know it’s to great places! Good luck, Wings! P.S. I think she’d do great at Kentucky Downs.”

Ciara Bowen, racing fan and freelance photographer:

"There are several beautiful stories in racing, but, to me, they don't hold as much inspiration as the story of Wings and her human family. I mean, here you've got genuinely real people, with real problems, and they don't give up like some people would. Lacey has motivated me to keep going on days I think I'm having it rough. Jeremy showed me that material things are just that – and that the world doesn't end when you give them up. Danielle is so happy and wonderful, and I'm encouraged by her work ethic. And then there's Wings. She, like her whole team, has shown me that you should never give up, no matter what the odds."

Adrianna Lynch, racing fan and freelance photographer:

“On Preakness Day, with the two horses dying, I got a text that said, “This is why horse racing shouldn’t exist.’ I was extremely angry, especially since this girl knew how important racing was to me. I told her how there are way more good stories in racing than bad; you only see the bad because the news doesn’t care about racing unless it’s the Triple Crown or a horse breaks down. So I sent her the Folded Wings story, since that story really showed how important horses are to people even if they aren’t racing at the top level, and you could really see that in the story. They care for Wings like she’s their child and that’s seriously amazing. I loved hearing their story and actually got a little teary eyed while reading it, as well, which is something that doesn’t happen often for me.”

A note from the author, Mary Cage:

I have had the opportunity to write about some truly great horses in racing, even some of the greatest of all-time, but without a doubt, my article about Folded Wings is my favorite I've ever written. Learning Wings' story by talking to her connections, and ultimately putting it into words and sharing it with the racing community and anyone else who might read it, will always be a personal highlight in my journalism career. It means the world to me to not only know people like Lacey, Jeremy, and Danielle exist, but to share their story – and the story of Folded Wings. Since writing and publishing Wings' story, I have stayed in touch with the McDaniels and Danielle and have truly felt like I am now a part of this wonderful journey. I will never forget the morning I spent at Churchill Downs with the team, even hot walking Wings after her gallop. These people and this horse deserve the world. I know I speak for a lot of people when I say I wish Wings safe and successful trips for the remainder of her career. Thank you for letting me be a part of this journey.