McPeek has dramatic final weekend at Churchill

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Kenny McPeek probably could have suspected major drama was in store for him at the Churchill Downs fall meet that ended Sunday, but that’s par for the course, given the up-and-down nature of the racing business.

Still, McPeek’s highs and lows were off the charts. He ended the 21-day meet with two important stakes wins and will soon depart for Florida with a reasonable hope of returning in April with major contenders for the Kentucky Derby (Signalman) and Oaks (Restless Rider) – but he and his staff also endured the traumatic death of longtime employee Odanis Acuna.

Visitation for Acuna was held for several hours Sunday afternoon in the chapel on the Churchill backside, with his widow and three young sons in from Cuba. Acuna, a longtime exercise rider for McPeek, died Nov. 10 at age 42 in a training accident. A GoFundMe account (https://bit.ly/2OCzCJP) on their behalf had raised nearly $117,000 as of early Monday.

“It’s an unspeakable tragedy that makes you appreciate all the good there is to life,” McPeek said.

Closing weekend was very good to McPeek. Not only did Princess Warrior upset the Grade 2 Mrs. Revere on Friday, but Signalman strengthened his Derby credentials by defeating 13 other 2-year-olds in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club on Saturday. That rousing victory came an hour after Restless Rider did nothing to hurt her reputation with a just-missed second behind longshot Liora in the Grade 2 Golden Rod.

“Both 2-year-olds are headed this week to Payson Park,” McPeek said Monday. “Off the top of my head, I’d say we’ll start Signalman back in the Fountain of Youth. For Restless Rider, probably the Davona Dale to the Ashland.”