Letter to the Editor: Kenny Toye

My name is Kenny Toye,

I manage a farm in upstate New York named Waldorf Farm. We are all hoping praying and waiting for racing to open up here as soon as possible.

A few years ago I was diagnosed with Stage 3 colon cancer and during my Radiation visits (25) and chemo infusions (12), my escape was watching horse racing and following the commercial Thoroughbred sale market.

Horse racing and the horses lifted me up during that time and I would even say that the industry saved my life. I took to a pen and paper and would like to share a piece I wrote. Feel free to share if you see fit.

…. And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said 'My farmer needs a thrill”

So God made horse racing.

God said, “I need an animal that starts running on the day that it is born. Will herd cows, transport the family, complement a work day, and deliver the mail.

So God made a horse.

God said, “This horse will have an imposing frame, be strong enough to carry a giant and gentle enough to taxi a child. My horse will run a mile in under two minutes, retire at the age of four, support the disabled, protect against crime. Know how to love and will not judge.”

So God made the Thoroughbred.

God said, “I'll need somebody to train the horse. A true horseman who can gallop a colt and back-track a filly. They will provide for their family, abide by the in-laws, be a mother, a father, an icon and a role model. He said, “I need a figure that my horse will trust, who wakes up before the sun and finishes work after dusk. They will travel across the country for days with their horses and hay. They'll know training horses is an honor and be an ally to the farmer.

I will label their DNA: “the cowboy way.”

So God made a Horse Trainer.

God said, “I need to have somebody willing to guide a horse for the race, live life with no fear and put life at risk in the starting gate. Wire to wire or off the pace, they will have skills necessary to navigate the horse to a win. They know being “overweight” is a sin. I need someone with a clock in their head that time fractions and finishing second place earns them “no satisfaction.” Rider's up in the saddle with a crop. One bad step? Get trampled, kicked, dumped and dropped. Alleviation from pain is in the grip of the reins. They acquire peace from a Thoroughbred mane.

This person will be small but strong. Injuries won't keep them out of the saddle for long. With each horse's stride, every race that they ride: The Run For Roses and pride will keep them alive.

So God made a Jockey.

God said, “I need settings to show a race, where time is passed with grace. Dreams understood by few, will come true from a claiming race.

A property where relationships are formed and traditions stay warm. Where family is founded and a $2 bet can earn you $1,000.

The boundaries will be a landscaped with perfection, there will be beauty in every direction. A place where large crowds are welcomed and the horse receives support in every outcome. The dirt will be sacred, waste goes un-wasted.

I will fill each barn with life, sanctified by all types: horses, birds, a mouse and a fly, even goats will apply. Where men can socialize with their cronies and a woman's best man is her pony.”

So God made the racetrack.

God said, “I need a profession for the toughest people I create, an art that my farmer appreciates, Where the rooster's call means “you're late.” A job where retirement and death happen in the same breath. You will find luck from a shoe, respect is defined by few. The greatest depressions revived from a two-minute ride.”

He Said:

“I will have my best to display on this Sport's biggest day, The First Saturday in May.”

So God made the Sport of Kings.

-Kenny Toye