The fans 'just fell for' Haskell Stakes horse Bethlehem Road

Bethlehem Road may have lost the Haskell Invitational (G1), coming in last and beaten by almost 27 lengths, but the gelding whom his owners once thought might never be walked in a straight line, let alone ridden, won plenty of hearts.

“Because of the story Monmouth put out about him and everything he’s overcome he had so many fans at the Haskell," said trainer Dee Curry. "People were yelling his name and taking pictures of him and cheering for him. I appreciate the story because I’m sure that’s why people just fell for him.

"Now he has his own fan club. People just love him."

READ: Bethlehem Road's "amazing story"

Curry said she also appreciated her rider, Luis Rodriguez Castro, for taking care of Bethlehem Road during his first foray into Grade 1 company.

“He handled the heat well and he did fine," Curry said. "The jock said that once he realized he was going to be out of the picture, he wrapped up on him and let him finish without beating him up. The smart jocks know when the horse is tired and let them finish without being aggressive.

"He came back perfect. He came out of the race good and he’s good today. He pulled up sound and he’s sound this morning.”

Curry remains high on the Parx Spring Derby Stakes winner, who returned to his Parx Racing base in Pennsylvania after the Haskell.

“This horse has a big future," she said. "He had a very weird start, and now everyone knows the story. He’s going to be a late bloomer. He has a lot of developing to do. I think when he’s a 4-year-old there are going to be so many more options for him with distances and types of races.

"We’ll run him a couple of more times this year -- I’m not sure where yet --but we’ll probably stay here at Parx. He’s developing, he’s still young. That was only his fifth race and I think he’s got a good future."

Should Bethlehem Road return to the top level of his division, Parx hosts the Pennsylvania Derby (G1) on Sept. 21.