Run for James strikes a handsome pose at his Ocala, Florida training groundsFriends and acquaintances who knew and respected James continue to be a source of comfort, kindness and support for the work he started and to which the Play for James Foundation is pledged to continue.
As we are discovering in our few short months of operation, sometimes that support comes in highly creative and highly surprising forms. Here’s one example that we really love.
A month or so ago, we received a note from long time friends, Alan Furst and Michael Harrison. Both men have been involved in the thoroughbred racing industry for many years and have co-owned a number of outstanding horses through the years. Their message included a description of their latest thoroughbred acquisition and this admission, “We always have a hard time deciding on a name for our racers, but not this time. Knowing James, his spirit, will to win, and great athleticism, we thought ‘Run for James’ would be a perfect fit.”
Here’s an update on the 2-year-old colt from Alan and Michael that arrived in the mail just this week. “Run for James is looking great. He’s good sized and very good looking (like his namesake), as well as being athletic with a competitive attitude!
“Run for James is now in early training in Ocala, Florida. He just began his formal workouts and his trainer is very happy with his progress. He just went 25.80 for 2 furlongs and will be progressing weekly, working with other promising young colts.
“His sire, Shackleford, is a first year sire, former Preakness winner and winner of multiple G1 stakes. His mare, Pascal’s Paradox, was a stakes placed runner and winner of more than $200,000 while his uncle, Nistle’s Crunch, was a G3 winner who competed at the highest level, including appearances in the Florida Derby and Haskell Invitational. So, let’s all get ready to Run for James!”
We will continue to provide regular updates on Run for James as he makes his way to the races. Plans are also in the works for a promotional and fund raising event in conjunction with his first start. If you would like to be involved, please don’t hesitate to contact us.