We often talk about the American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft and their suitability for various jobs. ASHDA horses are very versatile and excel in many disciplines, and are always up for any task they’re asked to perform. Be it in the show ring, on the trails, working on a ranch, equi-therapy horses, no matter the job you ask them to do, they can do it!
Now we know you’ll never see American Sugarbush Harlequin drafts racing in the Kentucky Derby, but you will see one on the track escorting Thoroughbreds to the starting gate. ASHDA Hall of Fame gelding, Daisy’s Chief Dane, (Harley), is quite well known at Keeneland Race Track, but on Derby Day, Churchill Downs is all abuzz when racing fans lay eyes on Harley for the very first time. He’s a huge favorite of fans all around the world!
His size and loud blanket pattern are hard to miss and draw quite a bit of attention! His calm nature and mass, are just a couple of things that make this handsome gelding well suited for this task.
His owner and Lifetime ASHDA member, Monnie Goetz, has stated that many of the Thoroughbreds they escort to the gate find comfort in Harley’s size. He’s like a large equine pacifier and security blanket for the excited race horses, and with his size, he has no problem handling them.
As with any job, occasionally there will be that moment when a bit of a situation arises. In the case of this photo taken a few years ago, an excitable young Thoroughbred decided to test Harley’s patience and his job skills. Jockey, Adam Beschizza, kept calm and handled it all in stride, while Harley and Monnie did what they do best.
The Kentucky Derby is this coming Saturday and Harley and Monnie will be on the job! Who will be watching just to spot Harley?
We often talk about the American Sugarbush Harlequin Draft and their suitability for various jobs
