How Mage’s Derby Win Inspires Our Journey at Bel Cavallo
At Bel Cavallo, we’re in the exciting early days of building our dream farm—a small, close-knit operation dedicated to raising and caring for exceptional horses. While our barn isn’t yet built and our plans are just beginning to take shape, Mage’s unforgettable Kentucky Derby victory in 2023 continues to inspire us as we reflect on that incredible moment over a year and a half later. His story reminds us how our small part in the racing world can bring incredible joy.
The Underdog Who Defied the Odds
Mage wasn’t the favorite heading into the Kentucky Derby. With 16-to-1 odds, he wasn’t expected to win. But Mage had other plans. Starting from the back of the pack, he surged through the field in a breathtaking charge, finding a narrow opening and crossing the finish line first. Even the announcer was caught off guard by his stunning late move.
Looking back now, Mage’s victory still represents the thrill and unpredictability of racing, reminding us why we fell in love with this sport in the first place. If you haven’t had the chance to watch his incredible win, it’s worth taking a couple of minutes to experience it yourself. Credit to NBC Sports for capturing this unforgettable moment—check out the embedded video below. It’s a reminder that every horse has its moment to shine, and being part of that journey is why we love this sport.
A Birthday Gift That Started It All
Our journey in racehorse partnerships began in 2021 with a very special gift. For my birthday that year, Doug gave me a partnership in the racehorse Monomoy Girl. That moment marked the start of something much bigger than I could have ever imagined.
Monomoy Girl, a mare by Capitalist out of Traveston Girl, secured her first win on October 7, 2023, at Kembla Grange in the F&M Maiden Handicap—a few months after Mage’s incredible Derby victory. Looking back, their successes made 2023 a milestone year for us. Reflecting on those moments now, they deepen our passion for supporting racehorses and the people who care for them. Since that first partnership, we’ve invested in more than 80 racehorses, each one a source of pride and excitement.
Why We Love the Journey
Mage’s victory feels deeply personal, even over a year later, even though he wasn’t bred at Bel Cavallo. Through our partnership, we followed his progress, cheered him on during prep races, and celebrated his incredible Derby win. Moments like these are why we do this. It’s not just about the thrill of the race—it’s about being part of something bigger and supporting these incredible athletes.
At Bel Cavallo, we aren’t trying to become a large-scale operation. With only eight stalls planned and a focus on two broodmares per year, our goal is to stay intentional and connected. We want every horse we raise or support to be part of a story we’re proud to tell. Mage’s win has set the tone for the kind of impact we hope to have—small, meaningful, and deeply rooted in our love for the sport.
Building Bel Cavallo, One Step at a Time
Even as we continue to prepare our barn and fields today, Mage’s story energizes us with possibilities and reminds us how far we’ve come since his win in 2023. Mage’s triumph isn’t just a win for us—it’s a reminder of why we’re so passionate about horse racing. Each partnership, from Monomoy Girl to Mage and beyond, has taught us something new and brought us closer to the vibrant community that makes this sport so special.
As we move forward, we’re excited to keep cheering on every horse we’re lucky enough to partner with. We’re not chasing size or scale—we’re pursuing the joy of being part of their journeys. Here’s to more incredible races, heartfelt moments, and the small but mighty role we’re carving out at Bel Cavallo.
