Getting to know ‘a real Gentleman’ of a racehorse

The cauldron-like atmosphere of Churchill Downs on G1 Kentucky Derby day is something that can catch out even the calmest of contenders on the big occasion.

For this reason, Godolphin trainer Kiaran McLaughlin leaves nothing to chance, right down to a dress rehearsal of procedure at the starting gate, which will be positioned at the top of the home stretch for the Derby.

On Wednesday morning, Godolphin’s Enticed followed his now-daily routine of posing for photographers outside his barn prior to making a routine appearance on the main track, long after most Derby contenders had exercised and returned to their quarters for breakfast.

The Medaglia d’Oro colt then went to the starting gate in a corner of the track and became acquainted with the stalls team, who will have the responsibility of loading the 20 Derby runners into the gate.

McLaughlin said that because there are different crews all over the country, it is important for Enticed to meet those who will be handling him at the start — and for them to know him.

“It’s nice to make sure he goes into the gate and stands,” the trainer said.

“If you have one that is nervous and upset, his name would be noted, and you would have to bring him back repeatedly,” he added.

Enticed was beautifully behaved, entering the gate without hesitation, standing there briefly, prior to backing out of the gate.

“He’s a real classy horse and did everything right. He’s a real gentleman, and the gate crew know that now. They feel good about him.

“They have now seen most of the Kentucky Derby runners, which they like to do,” he explained.

Enticed will start from gate 12, which is considered to be an advantage over those drawn low numbers near the inside rail, where a sharp getaway is imperative.