YSM Racing Wins Back-to-Back Virtual Kentucky Derby Titles with ‘Thistlecrack'

It's an honor so nice; they did it twice.

On Saturday night, YSM Racing secured their second consecutive Virtual Kentucky Derby title when Thistlecrack emerged victorious in the Season 17 VKD.

The second-consecutive Run for the Roses title comes to a stable that had never achieved the honor before, just days after YSM Racing was featured on the official Kentucky Derby website following last season's victory.

YSM Racing said they felt confident about their chances before the race. “We liked our chances, having got four good horses qualified,” said YSM Racing's Peeb, pointing to the rainy conditions favoring Thistlecrack's strengths while other strong competitors struggled with the slop.

“The weather forecast seemed to play into Thistlecrack's strengths, and the slop caused problems for some strong competition who would've preferred a drier day.”

As a bonus, YSM Racing's original stable partners watched the race together for the first time. The occasion coincided with James' stag do (bachelor party) in Edinburgh, adding to the festive atmosphere.

“We had a crowd surrounding my phone in a Scottish bar. Needless to say, the drinks were flowing shortly after,” Peeb shared, reflecting on the celebration that following Thistlecrack sprinting across the finish line first.

Thistlecrack's follow-up win is no coincidence. The horse shares a lineage with Sprinter Sacre, the previous Virtual Kentucky Derby winner from YSM Racing.

“Thistlecrack is not just the second consecutive YSM Racing-owned winner – like Sprinter Sacre before him, he is the progeny of a ‘Ba11thazar Ranch' stud,” noted YSM Racing.

Both horses trace their lineage to the mare “No Regret.” “An appropriate name, as that particular broodmare has given us nothing to regret so far!”

The back-to-back victories are a testament to YSM Racing's long-term vision and strategic breeding program.

“We weren't happy that it took so many Virtual Kentucky Derby for us to win our first one, so back-to-back feels like vindication,”

These consecutive titles showcase their ability to produce top-tier Derby winners consistently. “We've geared our breeding strategy for multiple seasons to produce Derby winners and retained most of our top contenders.”

Looking ahead to Season 18, Peeb believes YSM is poised for another successful run.

“More of the same for Season 18. We've hit our stride recently, so we are hoping for another good season,”

YSM believes their key contenders for the next Virtual Kentucky Derby include Rip Van Winkle and Native Euphoria, both of whom have shown great promise. Additionally, they've got their eyes on formidable competitors.

“I do like Hollywoo Stables' filly ‘Stranger In The Alps,' who has had a really strong debut season and looks like the one to beat.”

As for Thistlecrack, the retirement decision is still pending. “We haven't decided whether we're retiring the horse or not—we have a little while to make that call before the stud barn opens for business,” YSM Racing commented. But I'd say we're leaning towards retirement. He's likely to be available around the $500 mark, and I think he'll do well and have an active market at that price point.”