“Keeping Up With Kim K”
By: Nick D’Agostino
Over the years we have all seen several race horses named after famous celebrities and athletes, both professional and collegiate. I am always intrigued by how it came to be. There’s always a story and that’s what makes it all the more interesting. I believe it also helps get more people involved in the Sport of Kings.
It was Brian Trump of Rockingham Ranch that inspired me to write this article because he currently has a 2 YO filly by the name of “Kim K” in training. Aptly named after none other than Kim Kardashian, this filly is a beauty in her own right. Kim K is by Will Take Charge out of Trip for A.J., By Trippi.
Trump is the manager for Rockingham Ranch and is no stranger to the spotlight himself however on a different stage as he is the face of one most highly successful teams in all of horse racing. Saddling numerous stakes winners the likes of Finnegan’s Wake, BC Turf Sprint champion Stormy Liberal, Roy H, Richards Boy and XY Jet to name a few. There’s no doubt in my mind that this group knows how to spot talent.
I chatted with Brian about Kim K and he said she is beautifully put together with great balance and strength. “She was a stand-out” at the Barretts Equine limited Spring sale for 2 yo in training, co-signed by Sequel Bloodstock and sold to Rockingham Ranch for a cool 335k.
I asked Brian how he ended up naming the filly after Kim Kardashian and he told me that he grew up in Calabasas and went to high school with Khloe Kardashian at Montclair Prep in the San Fernando Valley. After college he moved back to LA and became friendly with Rob Kardashian but has since lost touch. Rockingham was brainstorming names for their horses this year and he thought it would be a fun idea to name a filly after one of the most influential women of the internet, who has not only conquered the fashion world but also the make-up world.
He expressed how much of an outstanding philanthropist and social advocate for equality Kim Kardashian is and he admired how she has used her popularity and platform to do better for the world, “by naming our filly Kim K, I wanted to pay homage to that.”
Brian shared with me that the filly is training very well for trainer Peter Miller and they are looking for the right spot for her to make her debut. I asked Brian if Kim Kardashian knew about the filly and he told me that he was unaware but if she did find out about the horse and would like to meet “Kim K” (the equine ) he would be more than happy to have Kim and her family out to meet her. “I would love it if they would come out and join us for her debut.”
Judging by the workout lines at San Luis Rey, it appears as though she is coming along quite nicely for Miller. Look for Kim K towards the end of the Del Mar meet or somewhere near the beginning of the Santa Anita meet. I have a feeling those entered against her will have a hard time keeping up with this Kardashian!
