Kentucky Derby winner formed at St. Matthews; horse became better in the center | Local

Travis Durr, who purchased the Webb Carroll Training Center in 2016, said Country House had been training at the St. Matthews Center from January to July last year.

While Country House was at the Web Carroll Training Center, Durr was blowing halfway.

"He got better with us," said Durr.

Former owner of the horse, Jerry Shields, has broken it down and trained in Kentucky by Shields' nephew, Guinness McFadden Jr., said Durr.

Country House was then trained in St. Matthews. After Country House had completed his training at Webb Carroll Training Center, Shields sent him to do some extra work in Saratoga, New York.

Shields died later in 2018 and surrendered part of the Country House property to McFadden, Durr said.

Durr said "there is just a ton of emotion" playing a role in Country House's historic victory in the Kentucky Derby.

It was the only time that a horse in second place won the race due to a foul.

"You dream of having this achievement with you," said Durr.

Of Shields, Durr said, "It's a pity he has not been able to see his own race win the Kentucky Derby."

Durr worked for the former owner of Webb Carroll Training Center for 10 years before buying the center two years ago. Carroll praised Durr's work as a rider and said that although he was officially retired, he still helped Durr when needed.

Under the training and ownership of Durr, another horse won the Kentucky Oaks a few years ago, but Saturday's victory in the Bluegrass State was the first time that he was playing an active role with a successful winner in the Kentucky Derby.

Durr said Country House's racing style and the closing of his last start were two of the features that made the foal a success, even though maximum safety was the fastest.

Country House had a 65-1 chance of winning, according to the Associated Press.

The AP also reported that the stewards examined different video angles and delayed a 22-minute decision before determining that maximum safety was contrary to one of the racing rules.

"It was the right call," said Durr.

Country House's victory was a first for Hall of Fame coach Bill Mott, AP reported.