When H and E Ranch are the same as Desert dawn miss the mark on sales in 2020, Elena and Hollie Crim solved their own problems.
Their acquisition for $32,000 – in what Elena describes as a decision she initially deemed “stupid” – turned out to be possibly one of the best decisions she’s ever made. 3-year-old daughter of mixed Arizona Cupid will compete against the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 6 at Churchill Downs.
Growing up with horses, it felt natural for Elena to continue her career. She said she married her late husband Hollis, a cowboy, when she was 20 years old and spent several years working on cattle ranches.
“They are my passion,” Elena said. “My dad’s family and my family have been in horses all our lives. Because we’ve been devoted to them, you just have to split… They’re a gorgeous animal and once you’re in. addicted to them, you can’t imagine doing anything else. It is what it is.”
After Hollis died two years ago, Elena’s daughter, Hollie, who also worked as an attorney, stepped in to support the family’s horse business.
Based on Globe, Ariz., This mother-daughter pair spawns a few mares in their home state each year, with most of their stock in Kentucky and Florida.
“I just feel like I need support (Arizona) because I’ve been in the business for years, so I try to have about three to four mares here,” said Elena. “Some horses stay in Kentucky forever and those to whom I am very attached, like the mother of Desert Dawn, come back to me.
“The people I choose to be there in Kentucky will stay with Callan and Frankie O’Connor. Same as in Florida. They’ll stay there if I’m not emotionally attached to them.”
Hollie Crim (second from left) and Desert Dawn’s additional connections
Crims are regulars nationwide, especially those in California and Florida, enjoying the opportunity to spend quality time together doing what they love.
“We used to try to go to all of those places, but especially the ones that were easier to get to like the ones in California and had a small sale in Arizona that we used to,” says Hollie. “Honestly, we’re excited to be back in Kentucky with Desert Dawn. It’s going to be great to see our horses back there. It’s going to be an exciting ride.
“You know, it’s just been a real pleasure and a real honor to be doing this business in general with my mom. I’m really lucky to be doing what I love with the person I love. To have a job of our own the horses of the lineage we’ve loved for years (running in Kentucky Oaks); it’s unbelievable. It’s surreal.”
Hollie, who often affectionately refers to Desert Dawn as “The Ally”, has been a part of the dirty man’s journey step by step. Elena remembers when her daughter beat up Ashley’s Glory, another pureblood, at their ranch.
Hollie Crim with a baby Desert Dawn
“Desert Dawn was overjoyed that my daughter delivered that baby here on my property… she did a great job and she named her too. She does so many things to be. as smart as she is; she’s a lot smarter than me,” said Elena.
“She’s my baby, I’m so proud of her,” Hollie said of Desert Dawn. “It took me quite a while to find[my]horse property so we just got (the mares) at my mother’s house in Scottsdale. I will come and stay whenever we have dues. That night, it was my turn..”
Coached by Phil D’Amato, Desert Dawn made $378,400 in seven starts, including a nasty win at Santa Anita Oaks (G2). Prior to her win in Santa Anita Oaks, she placed fourth in both Starlet Stakes (G1) and Santa Isabel Stakes (G3). She also competed in the NetJets Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) in 2021, where she finished sixth.
“Phil already knows all about her having this talent; he’s put her in a few races and he knows how capable she is,” Elena said. “They overlooked her when she ran in the Breeders’ Cup, and rightfully so; she didn’t hit a lot, but she was still capable and she certainly proved it. “
Desert Dawn and Phil D’Amato May 4 at Churchill Downs
Elena was ecstatic to see her cross the finish line first on April 9 at Santa Anita . Parkback to 3rd prize winning favorite game Adare Manor in the process with a stiff neck and pay $31.20 to win as the longest hitter in the five-horse race.
“God, it was horrible,” she recalls. “We had a lot of dogs; I thought they were going to go eat bananas (because) I jumped up and down. It was a very fun race; it was very close. That’s what Walt Disney was about when he did. dream come true. It’s absolutely amazing.”
The Crims hope to repeat this success when Desert Dawn competes for this year’s pageant, marking a major milestone for their business.
Elena said: “We’ve had a couple of horses coming in close to $300,000 but she’s definitely the…
