Next to American Pharoah, the biggest story from this year's Breeder's Cup was the feel good story of trainer Maria Borell and her horse; Runhappy. The story began in mid August and the colt's rise to prominence two weeks ago was tempered only 24 hours later, when the fairytale story took an abrupt change.
When handicapping the Travers day race card during Saratoga, I saw an entry in the grade I - King's Bishop Stakes that got my attention. This three year old sprint race was loaded with many interesting runners and while going over the past performances, I recognized a name. There was a lightly raced colt who ran two huge races at Indiana Downs and Ellis Park and he earned two monster Beyer speed figures. I saw the name of the trainer and it rang a bell with me. Six year's ago when I first joined Facebook, I received a friend request from racing fan from the Syracuse area, who was also involved breeding horses and training them. That person was Maria Borell, the trainer of this impressive runner.
While stepping up in class, Runhappy showed his brilliant speed and was victorious in the grade I race at 11-1. Not only did his win give Maria her first stakes victory, it was the only runner in her barn. Maria, who has been a licensed trainer since 2013 had never had a victory, that was until Runhappy. This son of Super Saver has been everything to Maria, which has been chronicled on her Facebook page and throughout the thoroughbred world on the internet. After winning the King's Bishop, he followed that up at Keeneland with another sprint stakes victory and it was on to the Breeder's Cup Sprint.
Maria had made the "big time" with this horse and even was highlighted with an interview piece on NBC just before the race. In the race, Runhappy was made the favorite and he did not disappoint. While not showing his usual front end speed, he came slightly off the pace and found the winner's circle and giving Maria Borell the biggest day of her life. This thirty two year old naive of Syracuse, that relocated to Kentucky did something few trainers have ever achieved, take one horse and become a household name.
Happy smiles were all in the winner's circle from the connections, especially Maria. But there was one face that didn't look that joyful. That was from the sister in-law and former trainer of Runhappy; Laura Wohlers. Wohlers trained Runhappy in his first two career starts and then the horse was transferred to Maria. It was Maria who took this horse to the top of his game. But less than 24 hours later, Runhappy was no longer under the care of Maria Borell.
Owner James McIngvale informed Maria that Runhappy would be turned over to Wohlers immediately and the joy of less than 24 hours would turn into sadness. No reason was given for the change in trainers and rumors were abound. The racing world was shocked as much as Maria, having Runhappy taken away from her. A few days later, Maria made a statement to the press and at first echoed the sentiments that McIingvale said; it was a mutual agreement that she would part ways with the horse. But, soon the truth would come out and it was anything but mutual.
She has filed a lawsuit against McIngvales's stable for money owed to her from Runhappy's victory in the Sprint, breach of contract and defamation of character. As of the writing of this column, she has not been paid any of the money from Runhappy's Breeder's Cup victory. The feel good story of Runhappy and Maria Borell didn't have a happy ending. The racing world has embraced Maria Borell and defended her, while the villains are the McIngvales for their actions. This story is far from over and the unfortunate thing is that the bond between Runhappy and Maria Borell is no more. This is the sad result of owners who don't know when they have it good, with winning results. Unfortunately, blood is thicker than water.
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