Chris Talley and Unmarked Bills. Photo by Shannon Brinkman Photography.
It’s the fairytale everyone dreams of: rider meets horse with untapped potential, horse takes rider to the biggest events in the world. It’s the fairytale that Chris Talley is living with the OTTB Unmarked Bills (Posse x Kellis Ransom) though not without putting in the long, hard work to get to those big events, of course. If you’re unfamiliar with their story, catch up here and consider helping them achieve the next step of their journey as well.
We’d all love to uncover a diamond in the rough, just waiting for their person to come along and take them to the next level. Could the next OTTB fairytale be yours? If you’re on the hunt, here are our three picks of the week:
Big Yum. Photo via CANTER PA.
Big Yum (KANTHAROS – HI AVIE, BY LORD AVIE): 2012 16.3-hand Florida-bred gelding
Big Yum seemed to be a pretty big deal on the track for a while — he’s a Stakes placed horse who’s amassed almost $145,000 in 42 career starts. So far in 2019, he’s just not interested in running like he used to and hasn’t made it on the board in any of his races this year. We think he’s just trying to tell everyone he’s ready to bring his athletic talent to a different discipline.
With a lovely shoulder, long neck and strong hindquarters, this seven-year-old looks like an excellent sport horse type. His trainer says he has a quiet amateur-friendly disposition and with no vices. She has enjoyed riding him herself at her farm out in the fields, through water and over cross rails.
Located in Erie, Pennsylvania.
Atomium. Photo via Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds Inc.
Atomium (LATENT HEAT – PAGE TURNER, BY DISTORTED HUMOR): 2013 16.2-hand Kentucky-bred gelding
This striking dark bay was previously listed with Finger Lakes until his connections changed their minds and opted to keep running him after all. He’s remained sound throughout his entire career of 33 starts and and is a very energetic, athletic type but only manager to earn $27,624 total. His uphill build makes him well suited for a career as an event horse when he comes off the track and it looks like he probably has some good gaits hiding in there, but he was quite full of himself during his job videos.
Back in the stable, Atomium is a real attention seeker and enjoyed hanging out and being the center of attention with the Finger Lakes volunteers while they chatted with his trainer. He was also turned out with a filly all winter and was a perfect gentleman!
Located at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, New York.
View Atomium on Finger Lakes Finest Thoroughbreds, Inc.
Lucky Mon. Photo via New Vocations Racehorse Adoption.
Lucky Mon (HARBORAGE – BROADWAY’S MARIA, BY MARIA’S MON): 2015 16.1-hand Louisiana-bred gelding
Lucky you if you’re the one to bring Lucky Mon home! This stunning grey with a beautifully set neck is ready and waiting to be your riding horse.
With 12 starts and $52,920 in earnings, Lucky Mon was a decent racehorse until sustaining a tendon injury to his right front during his last race. The injury has been fully and properly rehabbed and Lucky Mon is now ready for his next adventure. He’s sound and is currently being ridden at all gaits under saddle. Though still very green, Lucky Mon has shown lovely gaits and demonstrates a zest for learning along with a playful personality.
Located in Covington, Louisiana.
