Always a Runner captures Kentucky Oaks in prime-time
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Louisville, Ky. — Trainer Chad Brown’s filly Always a Runner, rehabilitated from a serious pneumonia diagnosis last fall and treated in a veterinary clinic with a hyperbaric chamber, returned to racing in February and on Friday night won the 152nd Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs in the first prime-time, under-the-lights running of the event.
The victory gave Brown his first Kentucky Oaks win and came after jockey Jose Ortiz executed an outside move that secured the result; this weekend Brown also expressed hope that his colt Emerging Market could contend in Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, and the under-the-lights scheduling marked a programming shift for the track.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Last fall: Always a Runner diagnosed with serious pneumonia and treated in a veterinary clinic.
- 2. After more than a month of treatment including hyperbaric therapy, the filly began racing in February.
- 3. Friday night: Always a Runner won the 152nd Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs, the first Oaks run under lights.
- 4. Trainer Chad Brown recorded his first Oaks victory and praised the filly's resilience.
- 5. Saturday: Brown hoped colt Emerging Market could win the Kentucky Derby the following day.
Why it matters
This story is a testament to resilience and recovery. Always a Runner's comeback from a serious illness to win a major race is inspiring. If you're a fan of horse racing, this victory adds a new layer of excitement to the sport. And if you're not, it's a reminder that setbacks can lead to comebacks.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
