Bradley's emotional week topped by Dogwood upset

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – What is it about Buff Bradley winning stakes that moves so many people to happy tears – including the trainer himself?

It happened when Brass Hat, implausibly, delighted his many admirers by winning the 2010 Sycamore at Keeneland as a 9-year-old. It happened when Groupie Doll won the Breeders’ Cup Filly and Mare Sprint at Santa Anita for the second year in a row in 2013. And it happened again Saturday at Churchilll after Divine Queen, ridden by Calvin Borel, pulled a 51-1 upset in the Dogwood Stakes.

This time, it was not just the race itself, but also outside circumstances. Bradley had accompanied The Player on the long van ride home Friday from Louisiana State University, where the 5-year-old horse had completed nearly six months of rehabilitation from a severe lower-leg injury suffered March 24.

“This win is for The Player,” an emotional Bradley said after the Dogwood. “It’s been a long week and this is truly unbelievable.”