Ben Curtis couldn’t have imagined earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) just six months after moving to the United States, but the impossible took a step closer to reality then. Honor Marie finished second in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Racetracks & Slots at Fair Grounds.
As Honor Marie prepared for that derby, Curtis was assigned to ride.
“It was definitely on my to-do list, but it happened a little faster than I thought it would,” Curtis said. “It’s a great opportunity and on a horse that I think could appear brilliant on the day.”
The native of Ireland mainly races in England, but has ridden throughout Europe and often winters in the Middle East. However, an opportunity arose last fall to move to the Fair Grounds and Curtis decided to give it a four-month trial before returning to Europe.
“I got to a point where I just wanted a new challenge,” Curtis said. “I’m playing very well in England, there’s no reason to leave. Sometimes to move forward you have to make big decisions.”
This important decision paid off as Curtis won 43 of 260 mounts at Fair Grounds, ranking fourth in meet wins and 10th in earnings with more than $1.5 million. The immediate success in the United States made the 34-year-old change his mind about returning to Europe.
“When I came in, I went all in,” Curtis said. “I wanted to try and stand out and make the most of it.”
After the conclusion of the meeting at Fair Grounds last month, Curtis switched his strategy Delaware Park. This summer he will compete on the Mid-Atlantic circuit.
Ben Curtis guides Brian’s Iron Mike to victory in the Costa Rising Stakes at Fair Grounds Racecourse
“I’m really enjoying this,” Curtis said. “To say I decided in one day is not true because I turned it over and over about 25 times. Is that the right thing? Is it wrong? There’s only one way to find out, you have to do it. .”
Mounting aboard the Honor Marie almost never happened. Coach Whit Beckman tried to convince Florent Geroux about his son Honor code for the March 23 Louisiana Derby, but previous commitments pulled Geroux over Oaklawn Park, where he won two stakes that day. That opened up opportunities for Curtis.
“He was beaten for a long time that day,” Curtis said of the Louisiana Derby. “A length that’s easy enough to turn around.”
Beckman received numerous calls after the Louisiana Derby from jockeys and their agents looking to secure mounts for themselves, but ultimately Beckman chose to stick with Curtis.
“It’s a compliment to Whit and the owners for sticking with me,” Curtis said. “I’ve had a lot of experience riding horses around the world. A lot of people in America might not know me, but I have a lot of credentials to my name. I think myself and the horse get along very well. If it’s working, don’t fix it.”
Honor Marie (in orange silk) finished second in the Louisiana Derby
When Curtis received the official news on April 22, he made the 10-hour journey from Delaware Park to Louisville, Ky., and was at the warehouse the next morning. Instead of riding to Delaware as originally planned, he decided to spend his time leading up to the Derby in Kentucky to help support the Honor Marie team in any way possible.
“It’s the Kentucky Derby,” Curtis said. “The coaches and owners have put their commitment in me, so we think it’s important to get on the field in the next two weeks and show that we’re committed as well.”
Ten hours is a long time in a car, so as a passenger, Curtis spent the drive delving into Honor Marie’s pedigree. He sees classic promise.
“I went through his pedigree from top to bottom,” Curtis said. “I can’t see a stronger pedigree in a more endurance race. Everything about him screams mile-and-a-half, mile-and-a-half. I wouldn’t doubt the ride, he as close to a guarantee as you’re going to get.”
In addition to stamina, Curtis is encouraged that Honor Marie is 2 for 3 Churchill Downs, with a loss of one second. One of his wins came in the November 25 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2).
“He looks like he’s worth a million dollars,” Curtis said after seeing the horse this morning. “I think Whit and the team are in great shape for him.”
Despite being in the Kentucky Derby for the first time, there won’t be much to faze Curtis on the first Saturday in May. He has experienced some of Europe’s biggest races and has ridden many large fields of more than 20 horses expected to come up behind for the Derby. If he can parlay his international experience and success into a Kentucky Derby win, he will be one step closer to his current goal.
“The plan was to stay here and get to the top,” Curtis said. “That’s my plan wherever I go.”
