Yaafour (GB)

After scouting and discussing dozen of potential claims and being out-shook for a few, on July 6, 2018, Brilliant Racing haltered the 3-year-old Yaafour (GB) on behalf of BR-P1 out of a “non-winners” of two for $16,000 at Ellis Park.

Bred in England, Yaafour (GB) ran seven times as a 2-year-old in his native land (winning once). Ryan Moore, arguably the top jockey in the world, actually rode him twice, so the connections obviously thought highly of him. Imported to the United States and transferred to the barn of Brendan Walsh, one of the leading trainers at Churchill Downs, Yaafour (GB) ran competitively in a tough first-level allowance on grass at Keeneland in advance of a solid third, beaten just a neck, in a $25,000 (nw2) claimer over the synthetic main track at Presque Isle.

The day we claimed Yaafour (GB), he finished a fast closing second (DQ’ed to 4th) as the 8-5 favorite and according to our trainer Steve Margolis, Yaafour lost a left front shoe during the race. His legs were cold, he scoped clean and he arrived in his new stall at Churchill Downs that night.

There were several reasons we claimed Yaafour. He was 3-year-old eligible for non-winners of two who had proven himself on both turf and synthetics. In addition, he had a bullet work on dirt at Churchill on May 31 of :47 1/5 breezing, which was best of the 41 horses who worked a half-mile that morning. He had youth, conditions, versatility and upside.

Yaafour returned to the track days later, was galloping with vigor, and because of his cool, laid back personality, he quickly became a barn favorite.

Unfortunately, following his first published workout under the distinctive Brilliant Racing saddle pad, Yaafour (GB) suffered a serious knee injury. He worked and galloped out great, but when walking the shedrow and cooling out, our trainer Steve Margolis noticed that he was off in front. X-rays were immediately taken, and the results discovered a slab fracture in his front, right knee.

Typical recovery time for such an injury is a year, and in most cases, horses do not return to their top form. With the way this partnership is structured and the uncertainty Yaafour faced, retirement was the best option.

Yaafour was transferred to Top Venture West in Nicholasville, Kentucky, where he received personal attention from Brilliant Racing’s Natalie Gils on a daily basis.

Six weeks later, Brandon Stauble’s wife Cory and his in-laws, Tawana Edwards and Larry Nau, adopted Yaafour. Fully rehabilitated, Yaafour is now enjoying life as a pleasure and riding horse.

When Brilliant Racing was first conceptualized, it was unanimous among the managing partners that the horses would always come first. Despite his unfortunate injury and retirement, Yaafour (GB) remains a treasured member of the Brilliant Racing family.