The Curious Case of Runhappy

Under the care of Maria Borell Runhappy was a perfect five for five, including Grade 1 wins in the King’s Bishop, Phoenix Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup Sprint.  On the day after the Breeders’ Cup, which should have been one of the happiest of her life, Maria Borell was heartbroken.  She was fired as the trainer of Runhappy, with Laura Wohlers announcing she will take over training of the horse.  The feel good story of the Breeders’ Cup was now ruined. Immediately Twitter exploded with disgust over this bizarre incident.  There are several sides to the story I’m sure, but here’s a summary and reaction of what has happened from the perspective of the owner/new trainer, Maria Borell, and the fans of racing.

Facebook Statements from the Runhappy team…

Twitter Feed of Maria Borell….

Reaction from the racing community…

Laura Wolhers and mattress idiot deserve everything they get with this fallout over Runhappy … Period … A complete joke #richpeople

— Dr Keeneland Dan (@fatbaldguyracin) November 1, 2015

If you are not on Maria's side, keep your silliness out of my timeline. I don't care what you 'think' you've heard to the contrary.

— Zenyatta John (@Pick4win) November 2, 2015

I think @IMariaValentine did an outstanding job with Runhappy. She kept him happy and payed so much attention to make sure he was healthy.

— Matt Dinerman (@3coltshandicap) November 2, 2015

Horseracing often shoots itself in the foot. Sometimes it goes right for the heart. #Runhappy #BC15 @MattressMack

— Ray Paulick (@raypaulick) November 1, 2015

No matter what the real story is on this deal one thing is for sure: This is a PR nightmare for horse racing.