Will Gronkowski 'open up' 2018 Kentucky Derby to new fans?
By instituting a new European qualifying series, Churchill Downs stood to engage a different batch of race fans from across the pond for the 2018 Kentucky Derby. Curiously enough, the horse representing Europe may equally entice American interests.
That’s because the colt is one you’ve probably heard of by now: Gronkwoski, named after New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. His trainer, Jeremy Noseda, said in an interview with English sales company Tattersalls he’s anticipating a meeting with the human Gronk before next month’s race at Churchill Downs.
“I don’t know if the horse is looking forward to it,” Noseda told Tattersals. “I don’t think he’ll know, but I’m definitely looking forward to meeting Gronkowski the man. It will be a huge day, and possibly a day which will open up horse racing and the Kentucky Derby to a different level of sports fan with the NFL being the most high-profile sport in America.”
Campaigned by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, Gronkowski moved his record to 4-for-4 since a switch from turf to synthetic surfaces in the March 30 Burradon Stakes. The victory going a straight mile in turn qualified him for the Derby.
“I’m delighted with him,” said Noseda, a British trainer who actually struck out on his own in California in the 1990s. His Wilko then won the 2004 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. As for Gronkowski, “He’s a lovely, straightforward horse to deal with. Touch wood, everything’s very much on schedule.”
In addition to upping the distance, the colt will face the challenge of a surface change, one sure to leave him as a longshot on Derby Day. But, given the name, he's likely to take plenty of money as well.
“We’ll keep him happy, fit and healthy, and then we’ve got to sort of find out if he goes on the dirt or not,” Noseda said. “I’m pretty confident he’ll handle it well. They either do it or they don’t do it.”