RSLP Racing claims three juveniles out of same race for $300,000

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Brook Smith had been hiding in plain sight, but no more. As the man behind an ownership entity known as RSLP Racing LLC, Smith dropped the collective jaw of the racing world Saturday when RSLP claimed three horses for $100,000 apiece out of the fourth race at Churchill Downs.

The move was so extraordinary that experienced horsemen and social-media wags said they had never seen anything like it. From a field of 10 2-year-olds going five furlongs, RSLP claimed the winner, Just Call Ray, along with Versatile (sixth) and Braggadoccio (10th).

“I decided I’m going to start pumping things up a bit,” Smith said Sunday in a lengthy interview. “People might call what we did rash or stupid or foolish or crazy, but there are 1,000 different ways to try to approach this business and you can really get into the weeds about it all. The thought here was ‘Why not?’ ”

Smith, 54, has been around Kentucky racing for many years as a small-time breeder and owner. RSLP is a venture he recently founded on his own to dramatically increase his Thoroughbred holdings through claiming, private purchases, and at public auctions. A highly successful private investor and father of three who grew up in nearby Oldham County, Smith said RSLP stands for “Rocket Ship Launch Pad,” a moniker that attempts to convey his uncommon zest for racing, entrepreneurship, and life in general.

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Billy Denzik, a former classmate and longtime friend, has quit training at High Pointe in nearby LaGrange after 26 years to become the RSLP racing manager and a buyer of younger equine prospects. Jeff Hiles, also now based at High Pointe, will train the 2-year-olds claimed Saturday, although Smith said he will use other trainers as well.

“RSLP is a name you’re going to see a lot more of,” Smith said.