Whit Beckman’s first week in the Kentucky Derby (G1) as a trainer did not go as many dreamed. Barely able to walk on April 26, Beckman was hospitalized until April 30 and diagnosed with a condition where damaged muscle tissue can release proteins into the bloodstream called rhabdomyolysis.
After leaving the hospital, Beckman returned Churchill Downs May 1 oversees the final preparations of the Kentucky Derby contender Honor Marie .
“Even though I’m not here, I have a good team and good people around me,” Beckman said. “Everything was meticulous and went absolutely without a hitch. As coaches, if we can prepare our team for situations where we can’t get on track, then we know we’ve done our job. I have very good people, I couldn’t be luckier.”
Having a horse in the Derby is something many kids growing up in Louisville, Ky., dream of. Beckman and his family moved from nearby Simpsonville, Ky., to the Anchorage area east of Louisville when he was 3 years old.
Whit Beckman
Beckman did not have an immediate passion for horses but was always there for them because his mother was a huge horse lover and his sister was passionate about show horses. After graduating from high school, Beckman went to college but couldn’t find anything that interested him. It was around this time that Beckman became involved in his city’s famous industry.
“When I got the error, it was clear that this was something I could see myself doing,” Beckman said. “I just took it step by step, got some work for a few trainers, different farms and tried to hone my riding ability and learn as much as I could about the game.”
Beckman joined Hall of Fame coach Todd Pletcher’s team in 2007, often stationed with Pletcher’s staff at Saratoga Race Course. In 2009, a lazy, oversleeping 2-year-old arrived at Saratoga, whom Beckman helped develop and become a star. His name is Super savings .
“He wasn’t a quick Derby winner from the start,” Beckman said. “There are so many other horses that have overshadowed him. He just stands his ground, he’s always been an honest, classy animal.”
Super Saver would give Pletcher his first Kentucky Derby winner and give Louisville-raised Beckman a taste of reaching the pinnacle of the sport.
Super Saver won the 2010 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
“It was one of the most exciting things I’ve ever been a part of,” Beckman said. “One of the best days of my life.”
One might think that coming from America’s most prestigious horse racing city, Beckman would be disappointed not to be at the track to share this moment. However, Beckman knows his role and the opportunity may come again.
“You understand where you are in the system,” Beckman said. “At the time, we were transporting babies to Saratoga. … I’m happy to be here and excited to be a part of the team, no matter where I am.”
Now, 14 years later, Beckman has the opportunity to experience his own Kentucky Derby start during Louisville’s crowning moment.
“It’s a joy to be here and share this experience,” Beckman said. “This is our vacation. Just being a part of it, everyone is excited for me and it’s great to have everyone along.”
Perhaps winning the Derby will mean more to Beckman now than it did when he was younger. After leaving the Pletcher team in 2013, Beckman went for vocational training in Saudi Arabia. He returned to the United States as an assistant to Eoin Harty before returning to Saudi Arabia and eventually settling in as an assistant to Chad Brown upon returning to the United States in 2016. In 2021, he branched out on his own to create mark for yourself to play sports and return home.
“When you grow up here, you don’t realize how good things are until you leave and move somewhere else,” Beckman said. “I didn’t really realize how precious Louisville was until I moved away. You come back and appreciate how great this place is for so many different reasons.”
Beckman has seen his success grow “step by step”, but could not have imagined that he would have his own Derby horse so soon.
Honor Marie established himself with Beckman as a potential Derby contender after winning the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) at Churchill Downs on November 25. He punched his ticket with performance finished a solid second in the Louisiana Derby (G2) March 23 At Racetracks & Slots at Fair Grounds and has earned a reputation as the “dark horse” leading the Kentucky Derby.
Honor Marie wins the 2023 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs
“I know he likes the distance, he’s going to get the ride,” Beckman said. “I don’t see any reason why he shouldn’t have as good a shot as anyone.”
Like Beckman, Honor Marie is a Louisville fan, having won two of three starts on the Churchill Downs oval and finished second in his only loss.
In 2021, Brad Cox became the first Louisville trainer to win the Kentucky Derby with Mandaluun Later Spirit of Medina was disqualified because of a failed drug test. However, the Louisville coach has not yet overcome the first hurdle.
Cox, who grew up just off the track, returns to this year’s Derby with Catch freedom And Just one touch . Danny Gargan, coach of Dornoch And Social man , also grew up in the area surrounding the track. With three trainers from the city represented by five horses, most of whom are considered to have a good chance of winning, it’s possible that a Louisvillian will finally be celebrating inside the Derby winner’s circle.
“Hopefully I can bring it home to Louisville, Kentucky,” Beckman said.
Being from the city, Beckman has a better understanding of the importance of the Kentucky Derby to Louisville.
“If the Derby wasn’t in Louisville, no one would know where it was,” Beckman said. “For me, horses and bourbon are the two staples that make up Kentucky. This race is our shining moment. It’s the Kentucky Derby. It’s probably one of the toughest races to compete in.” To be a local boy in racing, it’s an absolute dream come true.”
His dream come true will likely make him a celebrity throughout his homeland. But for Beckman, the only thing that matters is taking care of the horse.
“I’m not looking for any recognition beyond the horse,” Beckman said. “Without the horse, I’m just Whit.”
