Ken Ramsey, a 90-year-old veteran in the horse racing world, made a triumphant return to the winner's circle at Saratoga Race Course. This marks a significant moment, as it's been 13 years since he last achieved this feat as a leading owner. Despite his age and a reduced stable of just 26 horses, Ramsey's keen eye for talent and collaboration with trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. proved invaluable.
The highlight of his recent success was the Caress Stakes, where Movin' On Up, an Accelerate mare, claimed victory. This win is particularly notable given the horse's modest $35,000 purchase price and her status as a third-career starter. Movin' On Up's performance in the race was remarkable, rallying from last place to win by a substantial margin of 11/4 lengths in 1:01.04.
Ramsey's enthusiasm and optimism were palpable, especially considering his advanced age and recent health achievement of being cited by the Guinness Book of World Records for the oldest kidney transplant recipient. He humorously referred to himself as a 'has-been' rather than a 'never-been,' showcasing his light-hearted spirit. The win also highlighted the effectiveness of Ramsey's strategy, as Movin' On Up's success followed a previous fourth-place finish in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile Stakes.
The race itself was a strategic battle, with In Our Time, a 7-5 favorite, breaking quickly and dueling on the front end. However, fatigue set in as the race progressed, allowing Movin' On Up to make a late charge and secure the victory. The second-place finisher, Zeitlos, was also impressive, finishing just a length behind Movin' On Up.
This triumph for Movin' On Up marks her first graded stakes win and adds to her impressive earnings of $734,970. The horse's success is a testament to the collaboration between Ramsey, Joseph, and the horse's breeding background, showcasing the potential for undervalued horses to achieve greatness.
Ramsey's continued involvement in horse racing, despite his age, is a testament to his passion and dedication. His ability to identify and nurture talent, even in the face of challenges, is a valuable contribution to the sport. This victory serves as a reminder that age is not a barrier to success, and that the racing world can still benefit from the wisdom and experience of seasoned owners like Ken Ramsey.
