Lots of people know the Large Canine Daddy, Toby Keith, as a late, nice nation music icon, an unapologetic patriot, an Oklahoma sports activities fanatic, however many in all probability don’t know that he had a profound ardour for horse racing that paralleled his illustrious music profession.
His involvement within the sport was each intensive and heartfelt, encompassing roles as an proprietor, breeder, and energetic participant within the racing neighborhood.
Keith established Dream Walkin’ Farms, a 300-acre Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation primarily based in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, in 2001. Over greater than twenty years, the farm achieved important success, amassing 848 victories and over $18 million in earnings from 6,587 begins. Keith was deeply concerned within the operations, usually attending gross sales like these at Keeneland, and actively taking part in breeding selections.
In 2021, Keith partnered with fellow Oklahoma native Danny Caldwell to kind Nation Bro Stables. Their collaboration yielded 39 victories from 264 begins, with practically $1 million in purse earnings. Toby served as a Breeders’ Cup ambassador, and his contributions have been additionally acknowledged by establishments like Remington Park and Keeneland, which honored his reminiscence and impression on the game.
He as soon as mentioned, “The horse racing enterprise has all the time thrilled me that a lot,” and properly, he’s gonna be actually thrilled from up above through the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
His horse Render Judgment will run within the Kentucky Derby, the primary of Toby Keith’s profession.
“It was Toby’s dream….Render Judgment goes to the Kentucky Derby. He labored so arduous to lastly have one there! Toby can have the perfect seat in the home to look at.”
With 30-1 odds, Render Judgment is likely one of the 20 horses anticipated to run within the 2025 Kentucky Derby, which will probably be held on Might third on the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The three-year-old Thoroughbred colt has gained plenty of consideration on the 2025 Highway to the Kentucky Derby this 12 months, at the moment sitting at 18th on the Kentucky Derby factors leaderboard. Bred in Kentucky by Inexperienced Lantern Stables, he’s owned by a partnership that features Baccari Racing Steady LLC, MJM Racing, Rocket Ship Racing, and Dream Walkin’ Farms.
Coach Kenny McPeek is 1 for 10 on the Kentucky Derby, however he just lately received with relative lengthy shot, Mystik Dan, final 12 months. Jockey Julien Leparoux will experience Render Judgment for the primary time. Nonetheless, in 14 tries, Leparoux’s greatest Derby end was fourth, with Basic Empire in 2017.
McPeek referred to as him a longshot, noting that he doesn’t fairly have the expertise or the pace on paper to win, however additionally confessed that he is aware of how particular that is for Toby Keith’s household.
“It’s going to be deep water for him, however we’re going to take over a horse that’s very wholesome. I perceive the dream … and it’s Toby Keith’s household, and Toby handed away this previous 12 months, and I believe there’s some sentiment there.”
I don’t care… I’m placing all of it on Render Judgment (this isn’t playing recommendation).
Good lookin’ horse, eh?
I really like him!!! I acquired some good photographs of him this morning. pic.twitter.com/neuQmaj16o
— 🇺🇸Scarlett Mayhem🇺🇸 (@ScarlettO66) April 27, 2025
