Hoss Talk

   Here's a twist: One of thoroughbred racings most popular horses,Budroyale, will live out his golden years, not in Kentucky or California,but right here on a farm in Langley.
   
   The story of Budroyale's rise from near obscurity to become one of the best horses on the planet has become horse-racing folklore.

   On Feb. 15, 1998, local businessman Jeff Sengara, then 28, wentto California in the hope of buying a competitive race horse. After studyingthe charts, he took a big gamble and spent $50,000 US for a horse severaltrainers had given up on.
   
   For Sengara, it was the beginning of a voyage unlike any other seen in horse racing. There appeared to be instant bonding between the pair.
   
   The more "Bud" ran, the better he got. He rose up the class ranks like abullet. Within months he was competing against the best horses in North America.
   
   In October of 1999, Sengara entered Budroyale in the $4-million BreedersCup Classic. Cat Thief narrowly beat him. The winner won $2.08 million. Budroyale earned $800,000 for finishing second.
   
   "As the horses turned for home, I could see Bud battling for the lead. Iturned to Nas (Jeff's wife) and said, 'Wow, we just fulfilled the biggestdream imaginable.' It was more than surreal, it was   magical," said Sengara.By year's end, his horse had won an astounding $2 million, with more tocome.
   
   There were invitations from various racetracks, including a chance to racein the $6-million US Dubai World Cup, which Sengara turned down because ofthe toll such a trip would take on his horse.
   
   By 2002, with more than $2.8 million in earnings, it was time to retirethe horse, justifiably nicknamed "the people's horse."
   
   "As embarrassed as I am to say, that was a tough decision, only because hereally loved being at the track," said Sengara. "Then one day, Naseen and Iwere talking about where we would retire him. And  when we thought aboutCanmor Farms in Langley, it made the idea a lot easier. Especially sinceour home is only 45 minutes away from the farm. It meant our family couldvisit with Bud on weekends."
   
   Budroyale achieved cult status during his career, with several online chatrooms, fan clubs and web sites honouring his achievements.
   
   Three days ago, the exercise blanket he wore for the 1999 Breeders Cup showed up on eBay. The starting price was $52. Latest bid is $254.
   
   "Now that caught me by surprise," said Sengara. "I have often wonderedwhere that blanket disappeared to. Looks like I might l have to put a bid on it."
   
   Guess, that's the price you pay for owning a legend.
   
   twolski@shaw.ca
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Source: Vancouver Province
E-mail Tommy Wolski at twolski@home.com