“I have been very fortunate in my life to work with many extraordinary horses. Working with these beautiful animals has significantly influenced my life in many ways. However, the horse that had the greatest impact on me is Krz Ruckus.
Krz Rukus was an outstanding athlete in so many ways. His greatest achievement was earning over $1.1 million dollars, winning 17 races, including eight stakes. But what impressed me the most was that a majority of his victories were won by under a length. He showed an overwhelming amount of heart and desire to win. He refused to accept defeat and always gave 150 per cent.
Working with him motivated me to be the best that I could be and to never give up no matter how hard it is.
We took an amazing journey together during the seven years that he raced. We grew and matured together. He changed me as a person and I hope that I contributed to the changes in him. When he first arrived at Woodbine, he wasn’t the most intelligent horse, but he was very loving and eager to please. I would bribe him with mints to get him to do whatever I wanted and it served as great motivation.
One day when I was trying to go into his stall as he pressed his chest against the gate refusing to let me in until I gave him his treats, I came to the realization that all these years I thought I had him trained when in fact he had me trained.
He developed into a genius with a giant-sized heart and I am grateful to have been a part of his life.”
By Josie De Paulo, for Ontario Horse Racing
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