In a venture overseen by Hall of Fame turf journalist Jennie Rees and Bailey Romans, daughter of trainer Dale Romans, at least 14 sons and daughters of Kentucky Derby trainers will be tweeting on the @KyHBPA account and with the hashtag #KYDerbyKids. More are expected to be added in the next few days, including some owners’ children or grandchildren.
“It will bring a new eye to horse racing, a more behind-the-scene look at what goes on,” said Bailey Romans, whose dad has Keeneland’s Toyota Blue Grass winner Brody’s Cause in the world’s most famous race. “Everything is about the day of the race — the Kentucky Derby is the greatest two minutes in sports — but there’s more that goes into it than just those two minutes. This will give people an opportunity to see the work involved in making these horses champions.”
The Kentucky division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association is donating $100 to the charity of choice for all the #KyDerbyKids participants. More information on the Derby horsemen’s kids, their charity and the project will be posted on the Kentucky HBPA’s Facebook page.
The #KyDerbyKids venture is expected to expand in accordance with its participants’ suggestions. For instance, at the suggestion of Bailey Romans, there will be video features of kids interviewing their dads, surely asking questions no reporter would think or know to ask, and quite possibly getting answers no trainer would tell the media.
“This is a unique way to bring the passion of the Kentucky Derby and horse racing to teenagers and young adults, actually to people of all ages,” said Marty Maline, executive director of the Kentucky HBPA. “The Kentucky horsemen are proud to sponsor this terrific endeavor and showcase the amazing sons and daughters of our Derby horsemen. What better way than through social media.”
Other kids, friends or family connected to Kentucky Derby or Oaks horses are welcome to join in by tagging their tweets @KyHBPA and #KYDerbyKids.
#KyDerbyKids (trainer dad) horse(s)*
Ashley Amoss (Tom Amoss) Mo Tom
Hayley Amoss (Tom Amoss) Mo Tom
Keith Asmussen (Steve Asmussen) Gun Runner, Creator
Colby Casse (Mark Casse) Fellowship
Blake Cox (Brad Cox) Dazzling Gem
Bryson Cox (Brad Cox) Dazzling Gem
Bailey Desormeaux (Keith Desormeaux) Exaggerator
Erin McLaughlin (Kiaran McLaughlin) Mohaymen
Chance Moquett (Ron Moquett) Whitmore
Hannah Pletcher (Todd Pletcher) Destin, Outwork
Blayne Prochaska (Scott Blasi) Gun Runner, Creator
Bailey Romans (Dale Romans) Brody’s Cause, Cherry Wine
Wes Stewart (Dallas Stewart) Tom’s Ready
Tess Von Hemel (Donnie K. Von Hemel) Suddenbreakingnews
*More expected
For more information, contact Jennie Rees at tracksidejennie@gmail.com
About the Kentucky HBPA: The Kentucky division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association is one of the country’s largest thoroughbred horsemen’s groups, representing more than 6,000 owners and trainers. As an affiliate of the National HBPA that represents 30,000 horsemen in the United States and Canada, the Kentucky HBPA’s responsibilities have greatly expanded as the racing industry has become more complex. In addition to its original general benevolence mission, the HBPA is the leading force for horsemen in negotiating contracts with tracks as well as the advancement of the sport through safety and integrity initiatives, promoting racing and assisting in the development of aftercare programs for retired racehorses.
