Alex Bregman is used to successful stretch runs.
As a two-time All-Star third baseman for the Houston Astros, Bregman has done his fair share to help his team reach the postseason five consecutive Major League Baseball seasons. But on May 19, he enjoyed a victory coming down the stretch of a different kind.
Bregman's 2-year-old colt Cadillac Candy chased down a rival Thursday in a five-furlong race on the turf in :57.90 at Churchill Downs. The victory, coming under leading rider Tyler Gaffalione, is the first for Bregman Family Racing, which entered the Thoroughbred scene last year.
"I honestly got to give so much credit to Tyler Gaffalione, because when Tyler got on, we were going to run him on the dirt," Bregman said from Houston. "And (trainer Rusty Arnold) said, 'Let's wait and see; let Tyler tell us what he thinks about him.' We were going to run him on the dirt and then Tyler said, 'I think he's a turf horse.' We throw him on the turf and he came with a kick at the end and we said, 'Wow, maybe he is a turf horse.'"
Cadillac Candy breaks his maiden on the turf in his second start! Congrats to all connections! 🏇🏽 pic.twitter.com/YQ5vH8D09l
— Churchill Downs (@ChurchillDowns) May 19, 2022
It was an exciting scene for Bregman on Thursday as he and several teammates gathered around a television at Minute Maid Park, the Astros' ballpark, to watch the race. Cadillac Candy is the first of Bregman's eight horses to run.
Cadillac Candy—by Lane's End stallion Twirling Candy —out of the Gemologist mare Gladita F., by Gemologist—has shown potential. Purchased by Alex's wife, Reagan, from the consignment of Hermitage Farm at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $15,000, Cadillac Candy initially finished second, beaten two lengths, last month at Keeneland.
"We just kind of liked him," Bregman said. "We liked how he looked and we got him vetted; he was sound and we said we're going to take a shot on him. I know it's not gonna bring a lot. It's not gonna cost a lot."
He joked, "So let's put him in my wife's name. So if he doesn't run well, it's her fault. I told that to Reagan and she said, 'OK. If he runs well all the winnings are mine.'"
So far, so good. While it's still early in the year, Cadillac Candy is second in North American earnings among 2-year-olds with $84,260.
"He's quick. He's handy, he's got a good mind on him, and that's a good combination for a 2-year-old," said Arnold.
There was lot of screaming and hollering in the #Astros locker room after Alex Bregman’s (@ABREG_1) horse, Cadillac Candy, won his first race and it was at legendary Churchill Downs. pic.twitter.com/WJ2Ow1asE2
— Mark Berman (@MarkBerman_) May 19, 2022
Horse racing is nothing new to the Bregman family. Bregman's father, Sam, is chairman of the New Mexico Racing Commission. Reagan grew up riding horses.
Sam Bregman's father, Stan, used to take Alex to Albuquerque Downs. Like baseball, horse racing has been part of the family for generations. Stan was friends with horse trainer and former Major League outfielder and scout Hank Allen. They loved discussing the sport. The relationship has continued as Alex Bregman and Allen keep the conversation going.
Needless to say, the emotions connected to Cadillac Candy's first starts have been high.
"I don't know if he'd admit it, but he was probably more nervous for Cadillac Candy running than he would be in one of his Game 7s of the World Series that he's played," Sam Bregman said. "Because obviously, he has some control when it comes to playing baseball, very little control when it comes to Cadillac Candy up there running."
When Cadillac Candy had his first race April 28 at Keeneland, Alex Bregman and his teammates gathered to watch. He remembers telling them his only hope was for the colt to not finish last in the field of 11. The colt did far better than that, beating all but strong-finishing Andthewinneris.
"His worst luck would be if his first horse won a race because then he'd be hooked," Sam Bregman said.
Rather than spend every waking hour consumed with the next game, getting into horse racing has provided Alex Bregman with a distraction that brings him joy.
"The competition, the animals, the excitement, adrenaline," he said of what he loves about the sport. "That it's just a blast. And being able to go compete and everyone around the horse business that I've been around have just been great people."
That competition is a big part of the long-term plan for Bregman and Bregman Family Racing. Horse racing is not a hobby that he'll have a change of heart about six months from now. He's aiming high and knows there isn't a button he can press that will take him to the head of the class.
He's ready and willing to put in the effort. Anyone who has watched his baseball career closely will tell you about his work ethic.
One target: the Breeders' Cup this fall at Keeneland.
"Our goal is to win graded stakes races and win the biggest races there are; that's kind of the ultimate goal," said Bregman. "I think that's why everyone plays the game. I think that's what makes it so great. It's kind of like boxing or UFC. Anybody can win at any time."
