Mine That Bird's former owner/trainer David Cotey is thrilled
posted by Brisnet Editorial on May 03, 2009
 

David Cotey, the former owner and trainer of Mine That Bird, spoke with the Woodbine press office about the gelding's Kentucky Derby (G1) triumph:

“I am so happy for him,” Cotey said, moments after the stunning upset, while watching the race from Woodbine Racetrack. “I’m ecstatic. I’d love to be down there to give him a big kiss.

“We were all screaming down here in the Finish Line bar. When I saw him closing on the rail, I yelled, ‘Here he comes!’ I almost lost my voice. I’m just so happy for him and his connections.”

On Friday, Cotey had recalled his association with Mine That Bird, whom he conditioned to become Canada's champion juvenile.

Cotey bought him for a mere $9,500 as a yearling, and he raced him under the banner of his Dominion Bloodstock.

“I did quite like him,” Cotey said regarding his purchase. “He was compact, had nice balance and a nice walk to him. He walked around like he owned the place.

“I thought he might do a little better (than fifth in his debut on July 20), but it was a race where we wanted him to learn a little bit,” he said. “It’s hard to win races at Woodbine on any day, it’s so competitive.”

Mine That Bird went on to win four straight, including the Silver Deputy S., Swynford S. and Grey S. (Can-G3).

“I definitely wasn’t (expecting that success)," Cotey said. "If anyone had told me he’d win four straight and three straight stakes, I would have asked, ‘What are you smoking?’ But I will say that once he won the first stake, I felt he could win the next one and the next one.”

After his victory in the Grey, Double Eagle Ranch and Bueno Suerte Equine expressed an interest in buying Mine That Bird, and Cotey struck a deal to sell the gelding to the New Mexico-based partners. Cotey was then able to buy other stock.

“We did well with him. He always brought his A-game to the races. He was a nice horse to be around and work with.”

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