Owen Eyes Success with Wimbledon Hawkeye in Nashville Derby

Britain’s James Owen is poised to make a significant mark in the world of horse racing as he prepares for his first American runner, **Wimbledon Hawkeye**, competing in the **$3.5 million DK Horse Nashville Derby Invitational** at Kentucky Downs on September 2, 2023. Owen, who has already achieved notable success in various racing disciplines, including jumps and flat races with Arabian horses, sees this opportunity as a major milestone in his burgeoning training career.

Owen, now in his third full season of training thoroughbreds, has built a stable that boasts over **100 horses**. “We have a great team built up,” he shared recently via WhatsApp. “It’s going great. I had a runner in the Epsom Derby this year. I had a runner in the Guineas. But to come over with a live chance in a foreign country in one of their best races is fantastic.”

**Wimbledon Hawkeye** has demonstrated reliability and consistency in his performances. Owen described the colt as a “very sound athletic horse” capable of adapting to various racing styles. “He backs up his runs. I think he ticks a lot of the boxes,” he added. Owen expressed confidence in the horse’s ability to handle the travel and the race, noting, “He eats every night. He trains every day. He’s not flashy. He just does his job.”

The **Grade 3 Nashville Derby** is recognized as the richest turf race in America outside the Breeders’ Cup, with a total purse of **$3.5 million**. The race is particularly significant as it offers a base purse of **$2 million**, matching that of the **Preakness** and **Belmont Stakes**. The event will also feature four other stakes races and will be broadcast live on NBC from **3 to 5 p.m. CT**.

Owen’s horse has previously showcased impressive performances, including a victory in the **Group 2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge** at Newmarket last autumn and a commendable third place in the **Group 1 William Hill Futurity Trophy Stakes** at Doncaster. Most recently, Wimbledon Hawkeye narrowly missed a win in the **Group 2 Gordon Stakes** at Goodwood, a race that Owen believes has prepared the colt for the Nashville Derby’s unique track configuration.

“It’s hugely exciting for me and my team,” Owen stated. “The horse is going to come over with a massive chance. He’s been very solid and run very well, picked up prize money everywhere he’s run.” He also noted that last year’s Nashville Derby winner, **Bellum Justum**, shared a similar trajectory, having finished as a runner-up in the Gordon Stakes prior to his victory.

Wimbledon Hawkeye will be ridden by renowned jockey **Frankie Dettori**, who has established a strong rapport with the Gredley family, the horse’s owners. “We’ve always been looking to travel with Wimbledon Hawkeye. When we got invited, we were like, ‘Oh yeah. This is ideal,’” Owen explained. Dettori’s expertise is expected to be invaluable, especially given his success at Kentucky Downs last year.

In five races this year, Wimbledon Hawkeye has secured three second-place finishes and one third, showcasing his competitive edge. Owen is confident that the colt’s distance capabilities will be advantageous, as he has consistently raced at **1 1/2 miles** in his recent outings. “He’s not ground-dependent as well,” Owen mentioned, emphasizing the horse’s versatility.

Wimbledon Hawkeye is from the first crop of **Kameko**, a stallion who earned **$530,828** and was bred by **Calumet Farm**. Despite being a British-bred horse ineligible for the Kentucky-bred purse supplements, he will still compete for a substantial **$2 million**.

As preparations continue, the European horses, including Wimbledon Hawkeye, are currently clearing quarantine at the **Kentucky Import Center** in Louisville. Owen’s assistant trainer, **Ryan King**, noted that the colt has shown remarkable energy during training sessions. “When he goes to the races, boy, does he come alive,” King remarked.

The opportunity to compete in the Nashville Derby represents a significant moment for Owen and his expanding stable. With a commitment to developing talent and an eye on future successes, Owen’s journey is just beginning. The excitement surrounding Wimbledon Hawkeye’s participation in one of America’s premier horse racing events is palpable, with both trainer and owner eager to see how their preparations will pay off on race day.