GIACOMO - Surprise winner of the Kentucky Derby

Sometimes surprises happen...even in the world of big-time horse racing. When they happen there, a few brave souls actually make a lot of money! The winner of the 2005 Kentucky Derby was one of those profitable surprises.

No one expected the beautiful dapple-gray thoroughbred, Giacomo to win that day. Mastis, one of the star unicorns of Behind the Mist and Mists of Darkness is a dapple-gray. That is my favorite color although I don't buy a horse for color. Anyway, his sire, Harry Bull failed to live up to his reputation in the 1994 Derby and came in 12th instead of the expected winner's circle appearance. Not only that, but the same jockey rode both father and son! So, of course everyone was thinking "like father, like son." But, surprise, surprise. The son vindicated the father and zoomed across the finish line first! It was also the first win for jockey Mike Smith after 12 Derby tries.

Don't you love it when the underdog wins!

I found an interesting fact on www.horse-races.net. They said on that site that "Giacomo is owned and was bred by Mr. and Mrs. Jerome Moss. They live in Los Angeles and have been active in Thoroughbred racing and breeding for many years. Moss is the co-founder of A & M racords along with partner Herb Alpert of the Tijuana Brass. They sold A & M to Polygram in 1990 but Moss remains active in the music business today. This is shown by the fact that Giacomo is named after recording artist Sting's 9-year-old son."

He is now at stud and loves to show off for his many visitors. He loves people and they love him! And he loves red peppermints as do my  horses!

Share the story of your noble and great horse. Write to me at: mjevansbtm@gmail.com

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The Print version of Mists of Darkness will be out soon!