Breeders' Cup: Skychai Racing back with Hansen in Juvenile

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – If there is a major stakes race for young colts at Churchill Downs, the partners in Skychai Racing are becoming a regular part of the action.

Six months ago, the group was represented in the Kentucky Derby with Twinspired, the Bluegrass Stakes runner-up, who would go on to finish 17th in the race. And now Skychai is back, this time with an entrant in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, having purchased a minority interest in Kentucky Cup Juvenile winner Hansen in late October.

“We’re very proud to say we own a piece of him and are excited to be a part of the Breeders’ Cup,” said Dr. Harvey Diamond, a Skychai partner.

Hansen, a 2-year-old son of Tapit unbeaten in two starts, will continue to race in the colors of Dr. Kendall Hansen, who retained controlling interest, and run for trainer Mike Maker.

Diamond credited Maker, who trains for both Skychai and Dr. Hansen, for helping facilitate the sale.

Diamond said he had been a fan of Hansen for months, even before the colt quickly vaulted into the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile picture with a pair of dominant wins at Turfway Park in September.

“He worked with one of our horses and just blew him away,” he said.

Diamond and the other partners in Skychai should get a thrill on Breeders’ Cup Saturday with the speedy Hansen expected to take charge early in the Juvenile.

Thereafter, his connections can only hope he can outlast Union Rags, Creative Cause, Drill, and the other talented Juvenile competitors.

“It’s pretty exciting,” Diamond said.