Legacy Ranch has campaigned some outstanding derby horses over the years. Griswold, who would go on to become one of the all-time greats at 870 yards, began his career as a standout in straightaway races. He won the 1989 Governor’s Cup Derby and would later finish third to See Me Do It in the Champion of Champions at season’s end.
In 1990, the racing operation’s top 3-year-old was Apprehend, the winner of the Golden State Derby and also the third place finisher to Dash For Speed in the Champion of Champions. Apprehend would later be named the AQHA champion 3-year-old gelding.
Fourteen years later, Not For Long would become Legacy Ranch’s top sophomore, as he won a pair of derbies, including the Grade 1, $168,700 Golden State Derby in 2004. Fast forward 15 years to 2019 and the barn’s top star is a 3-year-old multiple derby winner named Mister Appolitical. Ridden by Jesus Rios Ayala for trainer Terry Knight, the son of Apollitical Jess broke on the lead and never looked back while posting a 1 ½ length victory over Wendy O’Dell, Colten O’Dell and Ruth Barbour’s Tac Me Up.
“He was a little nervous in the starting gate. He didn’t have a particularly great start, but he’s a very consistent horse,” Jesus Rios Ayala said. “He’s a fighter, he will give you his all. I saw a couple of horses racing on the inside, but they were not going to catch us. My horse was too fast.”
Mister Apppolitical earned $70,854 for the win to take his career bankroll to $290,580. The homebred runner, who has won each of his last four starts, covered the 400 yards in a time of :19.722. . He also improved his career record to eight wins in 13, which includes a win to the Grade 3 PCQHRA Breeders Derby when outdueling Ed Allred’s Chocolatito by a nose.
“He’s a pretty nice runner,” said Pete Parrella of Legacy Ranch. “The guys at the ranch they gave this horse some time. It seems to have helped him. After he qualified we got some calls from people wanting to buy him. I called Terry and I told him ‘I don’t know how you feel about this, but I’d really like to run this horse as a 4-year-old next year.’ Let’s see if we can run in a few races and try to get him qualified to the Champion of Champions. I’ve never won one before I’ve only finish third. If the horse comes back well, give him some time and we’ll look at some races for next year. I’m happy for the ranch and it’s a good feeling. It’s a good Christmas present.”
Tac Me Up, third in the Governor’s Cup Derby, earned $28,679 for his runner-up effort for trainer Chris O’Dell. Howard Nichols’ Dexxter earned $20,244 for running third. Chocolatito, Symbol Of Faith, Corona By Corona, Jess Flashee, Jess Send It, Galloping Goddess, and Red Hawk Cartel will also race.
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