“My whole family has been involved” in his training career says Ollie Figgins, III. That makes Dance to Bristol’s meteoric rise something of a family affair.
Susan and David Wantz treat all their horses like “our children,” they say. One of those kids — Dance to Bristol — looks to be an honors student.
Rider Xavier Perez has a tattoo in honor of what he calls “my big horse.” That it’s not of Grade 1 winner Dance to Bristol points out what’s enabling him to succeed.
After 103 days, racing is set to return to Maryland’s Laurel Park. And for the state’s horsemen, that means optimism is in season.
The De Francis Dash has drawn 36 nominees for its September 21 running at Laurel, including such intriguing nominees as Ben’s Cat and Dance to Bristol.
Trainer Ollie Figgins and Dance to Bristol have done just about everything right so far during a magical season that has them on the brink of a Breeders’ Cup trip. Our new weekly series will follow them from here to there.
J.D. Brown likes stories where success comes from unexpected places. As the agent for filly star Dance to Bristol’s rider, Xavier Perez, Brown is living just such a story — and hoping the ride continues.
In what may be the twilight of Bowie’s existence, Dance to Bristol and Immortal Eyes are continuing an honored tradition: using the old facility as a springboard to greater fame.