On September 11, 2005, Marion's Man ran in the 6th race at arlington park - a 35k claiming event against 7 other horses. This was his first race under the Red Rabbit Racing banner. 

And it was not pretty.

The day shaped up great however. First track announcer Christine Gabriel did a nice introduction on the track Jumbotron to Red Rabbit Racing and wished them good luck in their venture. We had over 30 family members and friends trackside to watch our first race.

Click here for the program entries

Click here for all the pictures

Click here for the official arlington video

Marion's Man was led into the paddock to be saddled and looked great - but, to me, never looked settled. For instance, if you look closely in the pictures he seemed to be fighting his tongue tie.

Then Bonnie the bugler finished the call to the post for the 6th race with a flourish from a Sousa march in honor of my dad who loved that type of music.

Jockey Brice Blanc looked great in the red, white and blue of the Red Rabbit Racing silks and our hopes were high as they trotted out onto the track. 

MM broke extremely poorly from the gate and never really recovered. He had a couple calls, but was outrun on this day and finished dead last. Afterward jockey Blanc told trainer Chris Block that Marion’s feet were not settled in the gate and when the doors opened he pitched up instead of out.  Very uncharacteristic of him. Picture right is of Trainer Chris Block explaining why MM finished without anyone behind him.

None the less, we had a great - though unsuccessful first Outing. 

Hopefully it can only go up from here.