Ron Ellis Quotes on Horse (3 Quotes)

I didn't think he was in the right place, mentally, to run in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), and I don't like to get a horse beat up. It looked like the light went on a little in this race. It was exactly what he needed, a good confidence builder. He has so much ability and always trains great and he should move forward from this.

The most frustrating thing for a trainer is when you know a horse has ability but doesn't put the effort forward. But that's our job, to make them want to do it. Teachers deal with kids who have tremendous ability but don't try. I feel like I'm giving him every opportunity to win and get confidence. If he'll just give his all he'll win. If he doesn't, anybody's eligible to win.

It's the whole trail getting there that takes the toll. They ask a horse to run 1 14 miles for the first time (in the Kentucky Derby), but it's a long road getting there.