In the horse racing industry, if you spend $250 on a three-year-old colt you usually aren't getting all that much. Now, try to convince trainer Brent Hill of that.
An article in today's edition of the Vancouver Province explains how Hill got Garden Gate Chris for next to nothing and parlayed the investment into something much larger.
Writer Tom Wolski found out that Hill attended the 2007 December Mixed Horse Sale. He had promised himself that he wouldn't be spending more than $200. He broke that promise.
"As the horse entered the auction ring, I was standing next to another fellow. I bid my $200, the other fellow $300 and I stopped. When the fellow got the horse back to the barn, he came back with him, told me, 'You can have him for $250.' I bought him," Hill explained.
Hill stated that he was aware that the colt had some physical problems and made breaks, but also knew that Garden Gate Chris had a sister that had taken a mark in 1:50 and earned
Click here to read the article in its entirety.
(With files from the Vancouver Province)