Today : Nov 16, 2024
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16 November 2024

Tennessee Moon Seeks Glory At Claiming Crown

The winningest horse of 2024 prepares for her biggest race yet at Churchill Downs

Many fans and experts are buzzing about this year's Claiming Crown, set to take place on November 16 at the iconic Churchill Downs. Dubbed by some as one of the best editions ever, the event boasts an impressive roster of 83 trainers, hailing from various corners of North America, each eager to showcase their horses. But one contender, particularly garnering attention, is Tennessee Moon, the filly who has emerged as North America's winningest horse of the year.

Tennessee Moon's success story is one for the ages. The 4-year-old filly, trained and owned by Mark Hibdon, has earned her stripes at smaller tracks—scoring 11 wins out of 15 starts this season alone. From the moment she was claimed for just $5,000 at Delta Downs last November, her rise has been remarkable, accruing total earnings of $177,904. Hibdon recalls the day they brought her home, saying, "I didn’t realize she was the winningest horse so far this year until we got here and people were talking about it." This unexpectedly swift turn of fortune has put the unassuming horse firmly on the radar.

Hibdon, who travels extensively with his horses across the states of Texas and Louisiana, says Tennessee Moon's story is not just about victories, but also about connections and experiences. After she won four races at Delta, they ventured to Fonner Park, where she continued her impressive streak, winning four out of five races. The excitement didn’t stop there; next, they found themselves at Wyoming's Energy Downs, secured two stakes seconds, before snagging victory at the Jack Greer Memorial, showcasing her versatility as she adapted to various tracks.

During these travels, Hibdon and his team saw not only the thrill of racing but the beauty of America, often describing their journeys to places like Wyoming and Colorado as mini-vacations with their horses. Hibdon fondly recalls his time in Colorado, where he and his team marveled at the mountains and enjoyed the scenic drives. "It’s just beautiful to us. We’re from Texas, so we never get to see anything like this," he said.

With the Claiming Crown just around the corner, excitement is palpable. Competing against fillies like Jubilant Joanie, who has been the favorite coming off strong performances, Tennessee Moon relies on her grit and determination to make her mark. Hibdon, aware of the competition, maintains realistic expectations. "I try to be realistic with what I’ve got. I know she’s not Seabiscuit, but she is to us," he remarked, emphasizing his appreciation for the bond they share.

This event is particularly meaningful for Hibdon, as it marks his first foray at Churchill Downs—a bucket list location for many horse trainers and enthusiasts. He plans to bring along his family for this big occasion, making the experience as much about family as it is about the race. The atmosphere of Churchill Downs, enhanced by its historical significance, has him and his family abuzz with anticipation. "We’ve always wanted to visit, always wanted to run. This was our chance," said Hibdon with excitement.

With the presence of large crowds, diverse participants, and the legacy of the Claiming Crown all around, Hibdon describes the atmosphere: "Whoever came up with this idea, send them a fruit basket or something. It’s amazing to have this opportunity, with so many people coming together from all over the country to see how their horses stack up. What else could you ask for?" Indeed, the Claiming Crown encapsulates what it means to be part of the thoroughbred racing community, including horses and connections from various backgrounds.

Now, as the moment draws closer, the question remains: can Tennessee Moon continue her winning streak and claim yet another title? Her past races suggest the answer might just be yes, as she continues to showcase her tenacity and talent on the track. The racing community and spectators alike will certainly have their eyes glued to the track as this unassuming horse heads to the starting gate, ready to show the world what she can do.

The Claiming Crown, celebrating blue-collar horses, reflects the essence of grit and determination, and with owners like Hibdon sharing their heartfelt experiences, it brings to life what horse racing is all about. The filly’s underdog story, paired with her connection to her trainer, highlights the beauty of the sport and the moments of triumph it can bring.

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