The story of Nearly, a horse with an extraordinary journey, is one that captivates and inspires. But what sets this equine athlete apart is not just his prowess on the racetrack, but his unlikely start as a soccer star.
A Multi-Sport Prodigy in the Making:
Athleticism and agility are the hallmarks of elite athletes, and some of the greatest legends in sports history have showcased their skills across multiple disciplines. Bo Jackson, Deion Sanders, and Jim Thorpe are iconic figures who achieved greatness in more than one sport. And now, Nearly, a Thoroughbred racehorse, is poised to join this exclusive club.
The Soccer-Playing Colt:
At Wind Hill Farm, Florida, Nearly's journey began with a soccer ball. Kris Gibbons, the farm owner, introduced the young colt to a new game, and he took to it like a natural. Nearly taught himself to kick and maneuver the ball with his feet and nose, displaying an innate agility and athleticism. But this wasn't just child's play; it was the foundation for his future success.
A Rough Start, a Resilient Finish:
Nearly's racing career almost ended before it began. In a Gulfstream Park allowance race, he was knocked by a rival, nearly falling to his knees. But he quickly recovered, showcasing his agility and determination, and went on to win by an impressive 5 lengths. This resilience caught the attention of Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher, who saw potential in the young colt.
The Holy Bull Triumph:
Nearly's next challenge was the Holy Bull Stakes, where he faced off against the favorite, Cannoneer. Unfazed by the competition, Nearly responded to Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez's commands, winning by a commanding 5 3/4 lengths. Gibbons, watching from the grandstand, knew Nearly had something special.
Breeding Success and Challenges:
Gibbons, an experienced breeder, has a knack for spotting talent. Her first mare, To the Hunt, produced two million-dollar grade 1 winners. However, her small breeding operation, with just seven mares, presents unique challenges. Gibbons takes a hands-on approach, breeding four to seven mares annually, ensuring she can manage the workload.
The Pursuit of Ib Prospecting:
One of Gibbons' mares, Ib Prospecting, caught her eye due to her connection to a family of successful broodmares. After two failed attempts to claim her in California, Gibbons tried to buy her privately, but her offer was declined. Finally, in 2018, they successfully claimed Ib Prospecting for $25,000, bringing her to Florida.
Nearly's Birth and Early Days:
Nearly, the second foal of Ib Prospecting, was born with beauty and a playful spirit. His energy made sales prep challenging, but his potential was evident. Consigned by Denali Stud, Nearly sold for $350,000 to Centennial Farms, leaving Gibbons hopeful for his future.
From Sixth to First:
Nearly's racing career began modestly, finishing sixth on his debut at Aqueduct Racetrack. But he soon found his stride, winning his next three starts by a combined 20 lengths, skyrocketing to the top of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard as of Feb. 1.
Florida's Equine Industry at a Crossroads:
Nearly's success comes at a pivotal moment for Florida's equine industry. Legislation threatens to decouple Thoroughbred racing from gaming, which could lead to the closure of Gulfstream Park and reduce race purses. As a Florida-bred, Nearly's potential Triple Crown success could be a much-needed boost for the state's breeding industry, which has produced six Kentucky Derby winners.
A Dream in the Making:
Gibbons, while cautious, is excited about Nearly's prospects. She recognizes the potential for a Kentucky Derby victory on May 2 at Churchill Downs, a dream come true. But will Nearly's story inspire others to see the value in diverse athletic pursuits, or will it spark debate about the challenges of managing multiple sports careers? The journey of this soccer star-turned-racehorse is sure to leave a lasting impression.
