Image via UKathletics.com, courtesy of Stuart Brown
Earlier this summer, the Central Kentucky horse community was rocked by the tragic death of eventer Christine Brown. Her husband, Dr. Stuart Brown (a vet at Hagyard Equine Medical Institute), has come up with a way to pay tribute to both her love of horses and her appreciation of Kentucky women’s basketball. At Kentucky’s upcoming home game versus Duke on Dec. 22, all fans present will be entered in a drawing for a stake in “Patinka,” a three year old race filly bred by the Browns. The lucky winner will receive 10% of Patinka’s 2014 earnings, and will have an all-expense paid trip to see one or two of her races.
Patinka, by Exchange Rate out of the Untarnished (by Unbridled), is a special filly just lucky to make it alive, much less to the races. The filly had to be resuscitated at birth, and was in a coma for three days in intensive care at Hagyards. Christine, a former equine neonatal nurse, stood by the filly and did whatever she could to help her recover. Patinka grew up healthy and strong, and the Browns decided to keep her and see what she could do on the track.
Aside from horses, Christine’s other love was Kentucky basketball– the women’s team. When she couldn’t attend games with Stuart, she invited other friends and relatives, with the requirement that they must stand and cheer along with enthusiasm. Given her love for the team, it seemed only fitting for Stuart to give back in a way that Christine would appreciate, combining both her loves to offer a lucky fan an incredible experience.
Please read the full story of Dr. Brown, Christine, Patinka, and UK Hoops at the University of Kentucky Athletics site. With details of Patinka’s birth to finding trainer Graham Motion, it is well worth the read!
