2 days ago
Raging Torrent Is A Horse That Packs His Track
Some may wonder, is there a 'home field advantage' in horse racing? In other sports we know there can be big advantages. Did the air conditioning really just go out in the visitor's locker room at the old Boston Garden? And was that snow plow in New England only for the home team? And how about those friendly confines of Wrigley Field…whoops…sorry Cubs fans
The answer is 'yes' there are home field advantages in the world of Thoroughbred racing. Horses have a 'home' track where they train mostly and have their own stall. Familiar surroundings usually make it easier and most trainers will quickly tell you there is no place like home for every horse.
There are occasions when a Thoroughbred conditioner is lucky enough to have one of those runners that packs their track and takes it with them. This means they are not flustered by travel and seem to flourish no matter the surface or circumstances.
Raging Torrent has become one of those horses that exchanged his carry on for a full-sized Samsonite. Since May 4, 2024, this son of Maximus Mischief has won six races at five different tracks in seven starts. What makes this run of success even more impressive is it has been a globetrotting affair with stops on both U.S. coasts, Kentucky, and Dubai.
" He travels as well as any horse I've ever been around', says trainer turned travel agent Doug O'Neill. 'He's never seen a feed tub he didn't like. His ability to maintain his appetite on the road is one of the things that helps him perform at a high level.'
The Raging Torrent world tour began at Churchill Downs with a front-running score at seven furlongs. That was followed on June 30 with another gate-to-wire win in the Maxfield Stakes also at Churchill. In late August, O'Neill's charge gained his first graded stakes win in the Pat O'Brien at historic Del Mar. A rail draw in the Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar saw his win streak come to a close in early November, but a short trip up to Santa Anita was exactly what he needed as he earned grade 1 glory in the Malibu Stakes on December 26.
The success of 2024 provided Team O'Neill with enough confidence to pack their bags and head to Dubai for a start in the Godolphin Mile at Meydan Race Course on April 5, 2025. Wonderfully prepared by a team that has won the Kentucky Derby twice, Raging Torrent again responded with a powerful score against runners from all over the world. Returning stateside, this grandson of Violence made it through customs with his track in tow as he shook up the racing world with an upset win in the Grade 1 Metropolitan Handicap at Saratoga on June 7.
'We were very concerned about shipping East and facing such a tough field after coming back from Dubai', says the Southern California-based O'Neill. 'Leading up to the race he gave us every indication he was fully recovered from his trip overseas and was in fact asking to compete at a high level again.'
Facing two of the top older male runners in the United States in Fierceness and White Abarrio in the Met Mile, Raging Torrent was an afterthought in this five-horse field as he went off at odds of 8 to 1. Breaking alertly as has become his gameplan for glory, he immediately assumed the lead and never looked back. Under a masterful ride from jockey Frankie Dettori, Raging Torrent simply ran them off their feet and rolled home two and a half lengths to the good.
'The Met Mile was an amazing performance and we couldn't be more proud', says O'Neill. 'His owners have given us the freedom to campaign him at different tracks which I am very thankful for. My amazing staff, led by Leandro Mora has done an amazing job and played a major role in our success story.'
In fourteen career starts Raging Torrent has now won seven times with one second and two third place finishes. His career earnings total $1,797,400. He is currently back in California with his next start to be determined.
