Surprisingly Perfect's Blue-Collar Success and Support Village

Key Quotes

"Oh, you know, he's just your, he's, I tell everybody, I said, uh, he, he makes you want to be a racehorse trainer. I mean, there are so many great things about that horse. It's tough to, uh, to pick out one, but his, just his professionalism, and he just brings it every time. Every time you lead him up there, you have confidence that, I mean, he's gonna bring his A-game."

Justin Evans explains that the horse Surprisingly Perfect embodies the ideal qualities of a racehorse. Evans highlights the horse's professionalism and consistent high performance as key attributes that inspire him as a trainer. This demonstrates the horse's exceptional reliability and dedication.

"Oh god, I was, I was surprised, but really, I, uh, I hung up the phone and I had, I had goosebumps. You know, I was like, uh, I, I got the text and started reading it, and then I, I called him back. And it was just such an honor because I told him, I said, it's like, uh, it's like the eclipse for your, your everyday horses, man. So to have that honor, and have so many great people in the industry, and so many, uh, big names in the industry, and the HBPA vote him. And when he told me it was like a unanimous decision for him to win, it was, it was just so special because this horse deserved it."

Justin Evans describes his emotional reaction to learning that Surprisingly Perfect was named Claiming Horse of the Year. Evans expresses that this recognition is a significant honor, especially given the horse's consistent performance and the unanimous decision by industry professionals. He emphasizes that the award is a deserved acknowledgment of the horse's career.

"He's two-time claimant of the meet, first horse in Emerald Downs history to be two-time claimant of the meet two years in a row. But just everybody that's involved with him, from the grooms to the gallop boys to the jocks that ride him, to me and my family, uh, he's just been such a blessing, just such a blessing."

Justin Evans details the horse's historical achievements at Emerald Downs, noting his unique status as a two-time claimant of the meet for consecutive years. Evans also emphasizes the collaborative effort involved in the horse's success, crediting all individuals who contribute to his care and performance. He concludes by stating the horse has been a profound blessing to everyone involved.

"This horse is, uh, he's been great to us, but he's had exceptional people around him. From, uh, uh, the gallop boy that gets on him every day, Art Reese. Uh, he's been with me a long time, seven, eight years now. He's got on that horse every day that he goes to the racetrack, and he's, uh, I always say he's, he's no picnic to gallop in the morning. I mean, he's tough, he, he brings it on out there. So it takes a really good hand to, uh, to work with him in the morning, and Art's done a phenomenal job."

Justin Evans highlights the crucial role of dedicated individuals in the horse's career, specifically mentioning the gallop boy, Art Reese. Evans explains that Reese has worked with the horse for many years and possesses the skill and experience necessary to manage the horse's challenging morning gallops. This illustrates the importance of specialized expertise in horse training.

"He's gonna make his, uh, our plan, it's gonna be, uh, it's gonna be a sad day for us, but we're gonna run him on, uh, Tuesday in Turf Paradise, and we've kind of made the decision that that'll be his final start. He, he owes us nothing. Um, really, we owe him. So it'll, really, we owe him. So it'll be an emotional day for all of us."

Justin Evans announces the decision to retire Surprisingly Perfect after his upcoming race on Tuesday at Turf Paradise. Evans conveys that this will be an emotional day for the team, acknowledging that the horse has given them everything and that they feel indebted to him. This signifies the end of a significant chapter for the horse and his connections.