“Tomorrow Is Not Promised”: 13 Years After an Unfortunate Tragedy, American Couple Set to Live the Kentucky Derby Dream

Each year, the Kentucky Derby attracts a wide variety of spectators and equestrians alike. These spectators span the generations, from young children whose parents introduce them to the sport to the seasoned racegoers who have been coming to Churchill Downs year after year for as long as anybody can remember. But for others, like this American couple who own 200 shares of the Derby-running horse Mage, the introduction to the Derby may come in ways they never expected.

Recently, the Journal News featured a story by an American couple, Rick Gleason and Helen Stevens-Gleason, in which they discussed how they decided to join the Kentucky Derby scene after an event that occurred 13 years ago.

An unexpected way to enter the Kentucky Derby scene

Helen Stevens-Gleason had an awful tragedy thirteen years ago. Helen was hospitalized for 18 days due to complications from a perforated colon. Helen was an elementary school teacher in the Franklin School District for a combined 40 years before retiring. This event served as a wake-up call for her and her husband, Rick Gleason. As reported by Journal News, she mentioned her feelings regarding the incident, saying, “Tomorrow is not promised. It was time for us to live. Let’s get out and enjoy ourselves.” True to their promise, the pair started investing in thoroughbred racing syndication. As the years have gone by, they have arrived at the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, the grandest day in sports.

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The pair now owns 200 shares of Mage, a horse running in the upcoming Derby. The couple is a huge fan of the upcoming Derby; however, they have been mysterious about any investments they may have made in Mage or other horses. Mage, who will be making his Derby debut from the eighth post position, is now considered a 15-1 longshot. The pair still has great expectations for their horse, despite the poor chances of him winning.

Does Mage have the winning spell to win the race?

Mage is the underrated Derby contender that hasn’t garnered as much attention as the likes of Forte and Tapit Trice. Anything may happen in the most exhilarating two minutes of horse racing, and throughout Derby’s 149-year history, underdogs have beaten pre-race favorites to the podium.

Gustavo Delgado, Mage’s trainer, has made a total of $10,402,663 in his professional life. Javier Castellano, who has earned $379,984,826, is the jockey who would ride the horse. The horse was competing in his debut race and came out on top. The Fountain of Youth Stakes (Gr. 2) was his second race, and he finished fourth. Mage, however, staged a remarkable turnaround when he ran second in the Curlin Florida Derby Presented by Hill ‘n’ Dale Farms at Xalapa (Gr. 1). The road ahead is long for the horse since it has not won a race since the Maiden Special Weight.

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