In a stunning turn of events, trainer Maria Borell was informed just a day after securing a major victory with Runhappy in the TwinSpires Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) that she would no longer be conditioning the horse for owner James McIngvale. Borell took to Twitter on November 1st to share the news, expressing her shock and devastation.
Borell stated on the social media platform that Runhappy experienced filling and heat in an ankle the morning after his win. She indicated that McIngvale’s racing manager, Laura Wohlers, wanted to send the horse to the track, and it was at this point Borell learned of her dismissal. “Just went from the best day of my life to the worst day of my life,” Borell tweeted, adding that there had been a persistent conflict regarding changes to the horse’s training regimen since the King’s Bishop Stakes.
Laura Wohlers, who had previously trained Runhappy, countered that the decision to change trainers was made well before the morning’s disagreement. Wohlers clarified that it is standard practice to jog Runhappy after races and asserted that a veterinarian found no issues with the horse’s front legs. Laura McIngvale Brown, McIngvale’s daughter, corroborated this, stating that the team always jogs Runhappy after races. She added that the decision to move forward with a different trainer had been brewing for some time. McIngvale Brown emphasized her father’s desire for transparency and welcomed anyone to observe the horse train.
“We really respect Maria. We think she’s done a great job, but unfortunately it was time for us, as a team, to move forward,” McIngvale Brown stated. Runhappy will continue under the care of Wohlers, with potential plans for him to target the Malibu Stakes (gr. I) at Santa Anita Park later in the year, or he could be transferred to another trainer.
Wohlers reiterated that the decision to seek a new training direction was not a spontaneous one. She described the heat in Runhappy’s ankle as minor, no more than what would be expected from a horse running at that speed. She also noted that Borell had previously disagreed with the practice of jogging Runhappy post-race, a routine implemented to address lactic acid buildup.
McIngvale Brown further explained that the team was considering a move to the West Coast for Runhappy to participate in additional races. She recalled a previous conversation where Borell indicated that managing her own farm and horses in Kentucky would make accompanying the colt to the West Coast unfeasible. Therefore, the team felt it necessary to plan for what would be most beneficial for Runhappy’s career.
Runhappy has achieved a remarkable five consecutive wins without the use of the anti-bleeding drug Lasix. His Breeders’ Cup Sprint victory on October 31st was particularly noteworthy, setting a track record of 1:08.58 at Keeneland. Wohlers was the listed trainer of record for Runhappy’s debut race at Turfway Park in December of the previous year, which he won decisively. He also raced under her name for a ninth-place finish in the LeComte Stakes (gr. III) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. After a break, Runhappy returned in July under Borell’s training, winning an allowance race at Indiana Grand and subsequently securing victories in the NYRA.com King’s Bishop Stakes (gr. I) and the Stoll Keenon Ogden Phoenix (gr. III).
Wohlers described the situation as a “conflict of interest” and wished Borell the best, acknowledging her significant contribution to the horse’s success. She firmly refuted any implication that she does not have the horse’s best interests at heart, stating, “I’ve always cared about this horse.” McIngvale Brown strongly supported Wohlers, highlighting her dedication and her role in ensuring the stable operated effectively, confirming that Wohlers is now the trainer of record.
Maria Borell has declined further comment on the matter. Evan Hammonds contributed to this report.
