This Kentucky Derby, a Horse Called So Happy Is Giving Trainer Hope After His Wife’s Sudden Death
One trainer taking part in this year’s Kentucky Derby is So Happy to have the chance to win the Run for the Roses.
Trainer Mark Glatt will be competing in the race for the first time in his 30-year career, with a horse named So Happy. They earned their spot in the Kentucky Derby with a win in the Santa Anita Derby last month.
Glatt’s feat comes months after his wife of 25 years, Dena, died suddenly this past February of heart failure at age 57.
“She was right by my side, and a big part of what I do professionally, as well as being my life partner,” he said in an interview that aired May 1 on TODAY.
Mark Glatt is the trainer for So Happy, set to compete at the Kentucky Derby.Michael Reaves / Getty Images
He felt that emotion after the win at Santa Anita.
“Dena didn’t walk to the winner’s circle with me. And, you know, that was tough,” he told FanDuel Racing after the race while fighting back tears.
“It was bittersweet because she wasn’t here to share my biggest career win,” he added.
But Glatt believes Dena remains by his side as he gears up for Derby day, set for May 2.
“I think she’d be very proud of an accomplishment like this. We’re still together, you know, even if it’s just in spirit,” he told reporters before the race.
So Happy is ridden by hall of fame jockey Mike Smith, who won the Triple Crown with Justify in 2018. The 60-year-old, who is looking to win his third Kentucky Derby, believes Dena is guiding him and So Happy, especially after their showing at Santa Anita.
“I called on Dena at the eighth pole. I said, ‘Oh, pick us up, man. Pick us up and get us home.’ And he just took off, man,” he told FanDuel Racing after their victory in April.
Glatt may be at his first Kentucky Derby, but he’s not content just competing in the famed race. He’s focused on etching his name in history.
“We’re here to not just participate. We’re here to hopefully get the job done,” he told reporters.
He also said Dena will be looking on during the race.
“I absolutely think she’s above and pushing us through this and hopefully enjoying the ride along with us,” he said.
Post time for the Kentucky Derby is 6:57 p.m. ET. The race will air on NBC and USA Network, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. The race will also be streamed on Peacock. (Peacock and TODAY.com share a parent company, NBCUniversal.)
