Parx provides unlikely path to Breeders’ Cup success

Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pa., can best be described as a blue-collar track where many horsemen struggle with inexpensive stock to make relatively modest livings. It is much more racing plant than idyllic setting, certainly not the kind of place that would be readily associated with Breeders’ Cup success.

Well, think again.

When Vequist and ground-saving jockey Joel Rosario blew past pacesetting Dayoutoftheoffice to win the $2 million Juvenile Fillies by two lengths, it gave Parx its third Breeders’ Cup winner in as many years.

That development may surprise outsiders. Not Robert “Butch” Reid, Vequist’s trainer, who toiled at Parx for decades in relative obscurity. Vequist follows Jaywalk (Juvenile Fillies) and Spun to Run (Dirt Mile) in bringing rare national attention to Parx, which is northeast of Philadelphia.

“I think it’s about the horsemen as much as anything,” Reid said. “We’re getting good horses, and we’re getting the right opportunities.”

Revenue generated at the adjacent casino allows for a solid purse structure. A robust state-bred program also has helped.

“You can always count on Parx to throw out some good competitors. We’re beginning to get noticed more and more,” said Tom McGrath, who bred and remains part owner of Kentucky-bred Vequist.

Still, much has to go right for a Parx-based horse to make its mark on an international stage. That surely was the case with Vequist. Her dam, Vero Amore, was purchased by McGrath for $15,000 at the 2013 Timonium sale in Maryland.

McGrath set a reserve of $120,000 when he offered Vequist, a daughter of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist, at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Many looked at her — then looked elsewhere.

“I’m not going to focus on that anymore,” McGrath said. “I’m tickled that nobody bid on her.”

She did attract interest after she lost her July 29 Parx debut by a nose. Gary Barber and Adam Wachtel bought in, leading Reid to wonder whether he would be out.

“That’s always a worry, of course, for a trainer. It’s kind of out of your control,” Reid said. “When a horse is sold, there is about a 90 or 95 percent chance the horse is going somewhere else, especially when you are a trainer at Parx. When people are spending a lot of money, they want to be on a little bigger circuit.”

Vequist remained with Reid, whose track record says he knows what to do with a good horse. He conditioned Afleet Again, winner of the 2011 Breeders’ Cup Marathon. His Maximus Mischief was on the Kentucky Derby trail after winning the Remsen Stakes (G2) in 2018 only to have his promising career end much too soon with a soft-tissue injury.

The decision to keep Vequist with Reid paid immediate dividends when she romped by 9 1/2 lengths in the Sept. 6 Spinaway (G1) at Saratoga. She placed second by two lengths to Dayoutoftheoffice in the Oct. 10 Frizette (G1) at Belmont Park before turning the tables when it mattered most, in the Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland.

“I was very fortunate Mr. Barber and Mr. Wachtel gave me an opportunity to keep going with the horse, so I was glad I was able to pay them back in some small piece by winning a few races for them,” Reid said.

Reid’s operation is very much a family affair. Ginny, Reid’s wife of 30 years, played a key role, as did veteran exercise rider Teresa Hagemeier. They accompanied their prized filly to Keeneland well ahead of the Breeders’ Cup to oversee the lead-up to Future Stars Friday.

“She looked sensational when she came into the paddock, all dappled out. Her coat looked fantastic,” Reid said. “They just did a sensational job down there. I think the weather helped out, too.”

After earning $1,235,500 as a juvenile, Vequist is receiving a well-deserved vacation at Eisaman Equine, near Ocala, Fla. Reid expects her to rejoin him at Palm Meadows Training Center in Boynton Beach, Fla., in mid-December to resume training.

Reid is planning on two prep races, probably at Gulfstream Park. They would set the stage for the Kentucky Oaks.