Freddie Head made his first appearance at the Churchill Downs track to supervise his history-seeking mare Goldikova in a workout on Wednesday.
Head then delivered a poignant assessment of what training the three-time Breeders’ Cup Mile winner has meant to him.
Once again, Goldikova was the centre of attention as she formed part of the string of seven French-trained Breeders’ Cup runners that went out on the dirt course with Head accompanying her on a pony.
Asked what training the six-year-old had meant to him, Head said: “Having Goldikova in my stable has never been something I have taken for granted, because she really is an exceptional horse.
“I have seen horses that are perhaps as good as her, or maybe even better on a particular day, but I have never seen or known one who has been so consistent at the top level year after year.
“She has never had a day off in her life and has never given me any problems, and that is astonishing.
“I’m very happy that she’s finishing on such a high-profile occasion, but on the other hand, I’m very sad that she will be leaving me because she’s been part of my life for the past five years.”
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