Page 24 - January 2017 Thoroughbred Highlight

November 2001 issue
Meet Susan Gracey and Susan Gracey
When horse owner Dr. Tom Keenan of O’Cainon Stable said to Susan Gracey that he would like to name a horse after her, she didn’t realize that he meant literally. “I thought he meant like a nickname or something,” laughed Susan, “but then he came to me with a form to sign saying that he had my permission to use my name I was a little bit shocked but very attered.”
When Susan’s husband, Trainer Phil Gracey, said
it was time for the two-year-old’s race debut, Susan started to get really nervous. “A lot of rst time starters go unnoticed in their rst race but I had a lot of people comment on her right away because of her name.” says Susan, “But she did me proud.”
On October 6, 2001, Susan Gracey (the horse) ew down the stretch at Woodbine to overtake the eld
for a very impressive win. “I knew she was going to run good, but this made me fell really good.” recalls Susan after the race, “She de nitely would ave been noticed after that effort despite her name.”
Susan Gracey went on to win 2 more races and recorded 6 seconds, 5 thirds and earnings of $183,701 before being retired in 2004.
Susan Gracey and her husband Phil Gracey continue to train and race at Woodbine. Phil was the winning trainer of 2016 G3 Valedictory Stakes winner, Bangkok, bred and owned by Gail Wood and Dr. Ruth Barbour and ridden to victory by Jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson.
Groom Gerry Goodin gives 5 year old gelding, Bangkok, a celebratory hug after winning the 2016 G3 Valedictory Stakes at Woodbine. Trained by Phil Gracey with jockey Emma-Jayne Wilson in the irons, Bangkok came from mid-pack to catch front running Melmich at the wire to win by half a length in the
1 3/4 mile feature race.
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Thoroughbred Highlight - Page 24 - January 2017