Mitts, the bay gelding, has made history in the world of horse racing, marking a significant milestone for his sire, Gretzky the Great. In his second career start, Mitts was declared the winner of a 2-year-old maiden special weight race at Gulfstream Park on June 13, 2024. This achievement is particularly notable for Gretzky the Great, as it marks his first winner in a race. Mitts' victory was a result of a disqualification and a claim of foul by jockey Diego Herrera on Watson, who initially set the pace. The final time for the 5-furlong race on the fast dirt track was :59.58, and Mitts paid $12 for the win.
Mitts' success is a testament to his breeding and training. Bred in Florida by Ocala Stud, Joseph O'Farrell III, and David O'Farrell, Mitts is out of the Union Rags daughter Unanimity, who has an impressive record of producing winners. Unanimity's daughter, Nooni, won the 2024 Sorrento Stakes (G3) at Del Mar, further highlighting the family's potential. Mitts' third dam, Pretty Discreet, was a champion, winning the 1995 Alabama Stakes (G1), and his granddam is a half-sister to grade 1 winners Discreet Cat and Discreetly Mine, adding to the lineage's prestige.
The purchase of Mitts by trainer Heather Smullen for $15,000 at the Ocala Breeders' Sales March 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale was a strategic move. Mitts' sire, Gretzky the Great, is an 8-year-old son of Nyquist, who was bred by Anderson Farms Ont. and raced by Gary Barber and Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners. Trained by Mark Casse, Gretzky the Great won the 2020 Summer Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine, showcasing his talent and potential as a stallion. He now stands for $3,000 at Ocala Stud in Florida, making him an attractive choice for breeders.
Mitts' victory is a significant moment for horse racing, not only for his own achievements but also for the legacy of his sire. It highlights the importance of breeding and training in the sport, as well as the potential for young horses to make a lasting impact. The race's outcome, influenced by the stewards' inquiry and the claim of foul, adds an element of drama and intrigue to the sport, reminding us of the human element in horse racing and the importance of fair play.
