It might be the best quote I’ve ever read from a trainer. In a Churchill Downs press release about Giant Finish running in the Kentucky Derby, Tony Dutrow said he “has agreed to support my owner’s decision to run in the Kentucky Derby.”
With that in mind, here are some other quotes we’ve unearthed about this year’s Run for the Roses.
“I have agreed to support my jockey’s decision to ride in the Kentucky Derby.” – John Velazquez’s rib and wrist
“I have agreed to continue to support my agent when Orb wins the Derby.” – John Velazquez
“I have agreed to hire Ron Anderson as a bodyguard after Orb wins the Derby.” – Angel Cordero, agent for Velazquez
“I have agreed to mow Pletcher’s shedrow grass with a push-reel mower every morning when Revolutionary beats Normandy Invasion.” – Agent Matt Muzikar
“I have agreed to stay on the rail, no matter how tight it gets.” – Revolutionary
“What he said.” – Calvin Borel
“I have agreed to answer every question about what it’s like to be a woman in a man’s world with grace, patience and humility.” – Jockey Rosie Napravnik
“I have agreed to make Shug forget all about Easy Goer.” – Orb
“I have agreed to pick up where my sire left off in his Derby.” – Verrazano
“I have agreed to not get in the way of my stablemate.” – Verrazano, Revolutionary, Overanalyze, Charming Kitten and Palace Malice
“I have agreed to support God’s decision to keep good things coming my way.” – Rick Pitino
“I have agreed to support the Louisville Chamber of Commerce and keep the rain away.” – Mother Nature
“I have agreed to host the first ‘Kentucky Derby comes to Calder Celebration’ on Sunday night in Miami Gardens.” – Eddie Plesa, trainer of Itsmyluckyday
“I have agreed to pull the ‘Horse Races Now’ banner with my Toyota around the backstretch when Java’s War and Frac Daddy go 1-2,” – Indian Charlie
“We have agreed to host a match race between Lines Of Battle and Verrazano, at an agreed-upon racetrack (Dundalk?) after they go 1-2.” – The Coolmore Team
“I have agreed to not put the Derby trophy on my head this year.” – Trainer Bob Baffert
“I have agreed to not cry this year.” – Trainer Graham Motion
“I have agreed to pay for all-you-can-eat chicken wings in the Hastings Park jocks’ room.” – Jockey Mario Gutierrez
“I have agreed to let Dale Romans lead Charming Kitten into the winner’s circle after he wins the Derby.” – Owner Ken Ramsey
“I have agreed to bring hats back in style.” – Trainer Kelly Breen
“I have agreed to interview Jerry Bailey on how it happened after I win the Derby aboard Oxbow.” – Jockey Gary Stevens
“I have agreed to come out of retirement for the Preakness if Gary wins the Derby.” – Richard Migliore
“I have agreed to come out of retirement for the Belmont if Gary wins the Derby and Richard wins the Preakness.” – Laffit Pincay Jr.
“I have agreed to not mention the Preakness all week.” – Dave Carroll, trainer of Federico Tesio winner Abstraction
“I have agreed to not mention Uncle Mo in the post-Derby interview after Overanalyze wins.” -Mike Repole
“I have agreed to not hide Stuart’s silks.” Daisy Phipps, co-owner of Orb with Stuart Janney
“I have agreed to have as much fun as last year and hand out transcripts from last year’s interviews when asked about past infractions.” – Trainer Doug O’Neill
“I have agreed to all interview requests.” – Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas
“I have agreed to stay home and donate my Derby tickets to Horse Racing Radio Network’s annual giveaway promotion.” – Trainer Tony Dutrow
“I have agreed to tell Robby Albarado to ride for fourth money and include Golden Soul in all gimmicks.” – Trainer Dallas Stewart
“I have agreed to consult Doug O’Neill on how to answer questions about past transgressions.” – Trainer Rudy Rodriguez
“I have agreed to paddock school Fear The Kitten during the Derby, just in case there’s a late scratch.” -Mike Maker, trainer of Fear The Kitten
“I have agreed to duplicate Michael Dickinson’s first five home in the Cheltenham Gold Cup, whatever the hell that is.” – Todd Pletcher
