As usual when Keeneland begins a race meet after the months that have lapsed since the thunder of hooves was last heard in races across its surface, anticipation for what might be runs mightily.
Also as would be expected, or hoped for, the top-notch horses drawn to stakes races on opening day of the fall 2026 meet proved that anticipation was well-founded.
Veteran campaigner Nakatomi was last when the field left the gate for the Grade 2 Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix Stakes, and yet he charged up the inside in the last stages – a thrilling start indeed to the October stakes races! He added the victory in this year’s edition to his win in the same race in 2025.
In a post-race interview, racing manager Fergus Galvin’s daughter Elle-Marie revealed another side of Nakatomi’s story that she experiences during the gelding’s downtime between racing seasons in turn-out at her father’s Hunter Valley Farm.When asked about her relationship with Nakatomi, she said, “For the past few years… he’s just amazing. He comes back to the farm in the winter after the Breeders’ Cup, and he’s just the sweetest horse ever. He’s obviously amazing in racing.”
She smiled at the thought of getting to ride him when asked about that, the joy evident as she answered, “Yeah, I’ve gone on him bareback a few times.”
She concluded with, “He’s always got his game face on in the paddock, and he’s the gift that keeps on giving.”
What a wonderful glimpse into more of what type of horse Nakatomi is, and the bond he’s built with young Elle-Marie. Imagine a horse with such renown also having quiet moments at a farm ridden bareback! What a great story she shared, of how a horse can mean so much, even above what racing glory reveals.
Moving on to the second stakes race of opening day, the Grade 2 Jessamine Stakes, Serenas Ghost made a thrilling lane change to the inside, in a near-echo of Nakatomi’s victory thirty minutes before. Her name, wherever the inspiration came from, evoked memories of Serena’s Song for me – although to be sure a 22-1 longshot must prove herself further! She took a step in that direction with her determined Jessamine victory.
With such a thrilling start to the first day of the fall meet, with returning stars and possibly a new one in the making, Keeneland was off to a fine start for the meet that will end shortly before some of the country’s and world’s best horses return for the Breeders’ Cup at the tail end of October.
