Proud papa McBride instilling racetracker values in adopted son

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Burl McBride, a retired jockey who transitioned to a training career in the early 1980s, is a typical racetracker in that he’s always been quick to help a fellow horseman in need.

But the 72-year-old made an extraordinary move a few years ago, when he adopted a young member of the racing community.

His adopted son, Andrew, was by his side at Oaklawn Park last Saturday as McBride saddled I Feel the Need for a fourth-place finish in the Grade 3, $600,000 Fantasy.

“He’s 12, but he’s a big 12,” McBride said. “He’s bigger than I am!”

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McBride has three grown children of his own, Jayme, Dawna, and Patrick. He also has seven grandchildren.

“All of my kids knew what I was going to do, and they were behind me,” McBride said of adopting Andrew.

Andrew’s adoption was finalized about two years ago, several years after McBride stepped in to care for him.

McBride is considering going to Ellis Park after Oaklawn, which ends May 8. But he’s not yet certain of plans, as he could also stable at a local training center.

“I’ve been staying in Hot Springs and shipping to run,” McBride said. “I haven’t really went anywhere the last several years. I adopted Andrew. He had a rough deal when he was 6 and I ended up adopting him and it’s just me and him and he’s in school. So, I’m kind of tied down until school’s out, then we’ve got to be back when school starts.”

McBride has kept Andrew active through church and school activities – and is even teaching him how to read a condition book. He’s truly bringing up Andrew with all the compassion of a typical racetracker.

“I’m just trying to raise him to be a good father when he gets old enough,” McBride said. “That’s all I can do is teach him to be a good human being.”

And, the rewards flow both ways.

“He’s a good kid that keeps me young,” said McBride.

McBride is a Missouri native who grew up in New Mexico. He began race riding at a young age and in 1968 at Ruidoso Downs won his first recognized race. Gerald Marr, the father of Peppers Pride’s trainer Joel Marr, had his contract, which was a typical arrangement at the time. McBride would go on to compete around the country for such trainers as Marion Van Berg, Lyle Whiting, and Clyde Rice. He won five straight races on a 1969 card at Rockingham Park as an apprentice, with the feat making the New York Times.

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As a trainer, McBride won nine stakes with the popular filly Two Steppin’ Toni and has had Oaklawn stakes success with Tapit Star, Rita Katrina, Lord Pleasant, and Lt. Pearle. Palace Rumor, an Ellis stakes winner for McBride, became the dam of Belmont Stakes winner Palace Malice.

As for I Feel the Need, she earned 10 points for the Kentucky Oaks with her effort in the Fantasy. The race was her first start against winners, and plans going forward are still being determined. I Feel the Need is a daughter of Keen Ice and the mare Primp, who is a half-sister to multiple Grade 1 winner McKinzie. I Feel the Need races for Michael Post, Denny East, Jerry White, and Mark Young.

“We were proud of her,” McBride said. “She’s still eligible for a lot of races. There’s a lot of options for her. Somewhere down the road, I really want to try her on the grass. That’s where I think she’ll blossom. But you never know until you try them on the grass.”