Tami Bobo, a partial owner of the horse Catalytic running in the 150th Kentucky Derby, credits her success in the thoroughbred industry to her humble beginnings and belief in giving overlooked horses a chance. This will be Bobo’s third time having a horse compete in the prestigious Derby at Churchill Downs. She purchased Take Charge Indy and Simplification for bargain prices, seeing potential in them despite minor imperfections. Catalytic, the most recent horse, was acquired for $125,000 at an elite sale in New York. Bobo’s faith in the horse proved right, as he now competes with some of the world’s best despite being purchased for a fraction of what others paid.
Bobo’s philosophy of appreciating the talents of horses as they are, despite minor imperfections, stems from her belief in giving both animals and humans a chance to prove themselves. She believes that horses born to run will show their true abilities, regardless of any physical quirks. Bobo’s journey in the thoroughbred industry began with buying and selling auction barn horses and offering riding lessons to make ends meet. She eventually developed an online equine information center, which enabled her to enter the world of thoroughbred racing. Out of the thousands of racehorses born each year, only a select few make it to the Kentucky Derby, and Bobo has seen three of her horses compete at Churchill Downs.
Despite the high costs associated with horse racing, Bobo continues to invest in the industry, focusing on buying horses for resale at public auctions. She typically does not partner in horse ownership but made an exception when she met Julie Davies, another partial owner of Catalytic, and saw their shared passion for finding and nurturing promising horses. Both women brought Catalytic to Davies’ farm for further training before offering him at auction in Ocala, where he showcased his talent. Bobo is grateful for the opportunity to have Catalytic compete in the Derby and hopes for a safe and successful race for the horse.
Bobo’s success story reflects the American Dream, showing that hard work and perseverance can lead to achieving lofty goals, even in the exclusive world of thoroughbred racing. She emphasizes the importance of trusting in the talents of horses and giving them a chance to excel, regardless of any perceived imperfections. Catalytic’s journey from being a relatively inexpensive purchase to competing against multi-million dollar horses at the Kentucky Derby is a testament to Bobo’s keen eye for talent and her belief in the potential of overlooked horses. As the Derby approaches, Bobo remains grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the sport and looks forward to seeing Catalytic showcase his abilities on the prestigious stage of Churchill Downs.
In a world where horse racing is often associated with wealth and privilege, Bobo’s story stands out as a testament to persistence and a keen understanding of the industry. Her willingness to take chances on horses that others overlooked has led to success on the race track and allowed her to compete at the highest levels of the sport. As Catalytic prepares to race in the Kentucky Derby, Bobo’s faith in the horse’s abilities and her appreciation for his class and talent shine through. Regardless of the outcome of the race, Bobo is grateful for the opportunity to be involved in the sport and hopes for a safe and successful run for Catalytic.
