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Nicole Russo Profile
Nicole Russo

@DRFRusso

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Writing about bloodstock and sales ( @DRFBreeding ), Kentucky racing, Thoroughbred aftercare, and more for DRF. Also competing as an amateur with my OTTB.

Lexington, KY
Joined June 2014
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
They work fast here. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 months
Heartbreaking news from the Dorman family, in a statement from them delivered this morning via Godolphin: “We are heartbroken to share the news that our beloved Cody suffered a medical event on our trip home to Kentucky yesterday and he has passed away.” Full story to follow.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 years
Justify bouncing back to the stakes barn. #Preakness
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Former Lukas assistant Todd Pletcher, who just finished second to Secret Oath with Nest in the #KyOaks , greets Lukas as he comes back from the winner’s circle.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Here he is. #KyDerby winner Rich Strike, the morning after.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
The reaction from @Riley_Mott and crew as Country House’s number went up and they brought the colt back to be re-tacked for the #KyDerby winner’s circle
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
9 months
More class and empathy from Pretty Mischievous’s people. Brendan Walsh delivered the Test flowers to Maple Leaf Mel’s stall a few minutes ago. ❤️ #Saratoga
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
Pletcher escorted his #KyDerby runners home, then walked back to the front side with his runner for the next race. As he arrived, the connections of Mage were leaving the winner’s circle. He waded right into the middle (white shirt) to hug Delgado.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Winx began her win streak the day American Pharoah won the Preakness, and concludes it just under four years later, just a few hours before he has his first starter. Insane amount of time for a horse to remain in form. Hats off to her and her team on an unforgettable run.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Champion Lady Eli has delivered her first foal, a colt by War Front.
@HillnDaleFarm
Hill 'n' Dale Farms
5 years
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
11 months
Look at Tapit Trice flick those toes and the bounce in his step. Long-striding colt is full of good energy after the walk day yesterday. #BelmontStakes
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
11 months
If you didn’t hear the news on what’s been a bit of a day, champion Zenyatta has delivered a War Front filly, and will now be pensioned from brood mare duty. Photos of the new arrival:
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
Zenyatta delivered a filly by Candy Ride early this morning, her connections have announced on an official account. Zenyatta is boarded are @LanesEndFarms , which also stands Candy Ride.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Here he is. Medina Spirit, lucky #7 for Baffert. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Tiz the Law will have first foals arriving soon.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
War of Will and assistant Allen Hardy. #KyDerby #Preakness
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Essential Quality, the morning after. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
2014 #KyDerby runner-up Commanding Curve splashes through the famous Head of the Lake at the Kentucky Horse Park and clears the following jumps at #AEC2019 . He and teen rider Madeline Cracknell competing in Beginner Novice Junior Championship. #OTTB
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Good morning from #KyDerby winner Rich Strike, coming out to train at his Mercury Equine Center base
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Hello, old friend. Triple Crown winner American Pharoah looking fabulous at ⁦ @coolmoreamerica ⁩ - and as kind as ever.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Hall of Famer Lava Man ready for his last “coaching” assignment before heading to @oldfriendsfarm #BC22
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 months
Biggest disappointment to me from Eclipse finalists is that Javier Castellano, who I had atop my selections, did not even make finalists. Winning two legs of the Triple Crown on two different horses, plus multiple other G1s, is a standout season, and he represents our sport well.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 months
Prominent sire Medaglia d’Oro, looking great at age 24. @DarleyAmerica
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
Triple Crown winner American Pharoah looking great and as sweet-natured as ever as he prepares for his eighth (where does time go?!) season at @coolmoreamerica . Firmly established as a top 20 sire on a couple different surfaces.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 years
Cozmic One and Isabela De Sousa get a round of applause as they finish their round over this combination. #TBMakeover @RRP_TBMakeover
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
A cool moment: A.P. Indy flanked by his champion sons Mineshaft (left) and Honor Code in January 2018 at @LanesEndFarms
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
Maximum Security this afternoon
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Omaha Beach galloping down the backstretch. Had his previously-reported old quarter crack re-patched this morning (as a matter of course, because those patches wear out with time) and got a new set of shoes as well. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Swiss Skydiver this morning at #Saratoga
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Omaha Beach at @spendthriftfarm
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
'Tis the season - foaling season. Pleasant Acres Stallions in Florida says its first foal of 2022, born yesterday, is also first foal for stakes winner Curlin's Honor (who established a then-record when sold for $1.5M at #FTMD2YO ). The farm provided this photo of the filly.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
What a life. What a legend. RIP, A.P. Indy. The Hall of Famer and breed-shaping sire has died at age 31. Thinking of his groom, Asa, and all who loved him at @LanesEndFarms
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 months
Cody’s Wish, looking fantastic and feeling good, on the walk at @DarleyAmerica
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 years
A.P. Indy, still lord of his domain at age 29. @LanesEndFarms
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
7 years
Dark, but here's Thunder Snow headed home sound. Spent race in paddock. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Steve Asmussen and his family cheer home record winner Stellar Tap and celebrate. Congratulations! #Saratoga
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
#KyDerby winner Rich Strike galloping by at #Saratoga
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
MG1W Omaha Beach (War Front - Charming), one of the most anticipated new stallions for this season, arrives at @spendthriftfarm . The breeding shed here opens two weeks from today.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
Unbeaten #BC22 Classic winner Flightline strikes a pose at @LanesEndFarms
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Some VERY happy members of Concrete Rose’s family watching their filly run down Newspaperofrecord
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
I love the sounds of horses galloping, especially in the silence like this. Essential Quality cruising by. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
American Pharoah at Ashford this afternoon
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
11 months
More post- #BelmontStakes comments from @jenaantonucci that REALLY resonated with me as a horsewoman. “I wish more people could be like horses.” Same.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Heard someone in the crowd call, “Good boy, Max. Have a good life, man,” as Maxfield exited the winner’s circle beneath the twin spires. The @godolphin homebred headed home to @DarleyAmerica
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 months
Cody’s Wish 💙 Stallion show time at @DarleyAmerica
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Uncle Mo yesterday at Ashford Stud.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
7 years
Brookdale Farm shared this photo of American Pharoah's first foal and his dam Kakadu, tucked in against a colt morning in Kentucky.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 years
As per usual, Mendelssohn announces his presence as the Ballydoyle contingent makes its way to the track (with a photobomb from a fractious Pocket Dynamo). First look at Sergei Prokofiev, too. #BC18
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 months
The late, great Perfect Drift taking California Chrome to post for the 2014 #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
7 years
"Take me somewhere?!" Tom Durkin has called plenty #KyDerby runs, but doesn't quite know what to do with himself as part-owner of a winner!
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
7 years
. @HillnDaleFarm shared this photo of a new filly by American Pharoah born at the farm.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
9 months
Oh, filly. Absolutely gutting. What do you even say? My thoughts are with this brilliant girl and her humans, and that’s all I can say right now.
@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
9 months
Maple Leaf Mel is unbeaten in five career starts, including back-to-back graded stakes. #Saratoga
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Rich Strike grabbing a pick of grass in the stable courtyard before heading back inside. Trainer Eric Reed says “Richie” takes a nap every morning at 10. #KyDerby #Preakness
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
#KyDerby runner-up and #Preakness ML favorite Epicenter has arrived at #Pimlico
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
Tiznow, still the only two-time winner of the @BreedersCup Classic, at @WinStarFarm
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Big Brown is very aware that he’s talented and a gem. What presence.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Daredevil, sire of Swiss Skydiver and Shedaresthedevil, at @LanesEndFarms . I’ve always loved this horse’s physical.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
A few more of California Chrome earlier today at @TMStallions
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Florida Derby winner Known Agenda at @spendthriftfarm
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Essential Quality gets his blood up a little as the pre-race music comes on here. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Shadai Farm shared these great photos of #KyOaks winner Princess of Sylmar playing in the snow while her 2019 colt by Deep Impact appears a little confused. Link to Shadai's complete post + more photos:
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
Pretty significant morning thunderstorm breaking over Louisville as #KyDerby winner Mage walks the shedrow, cool as can be
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 years
Horse of a different color: Kenlake before #Keeneland R3
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
#FavoritePhotosof18 : The #Preakness was one of my favorite races of the year. From my vantage point near top of the stretch, watching Justify and Good Magic's white blazes emerge out of the fog was spine-tingling.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
(1/2) Midnight Bourbon was again spicy schooling for the #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Omaha Beach. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
7 months
Cowboy Diplomacy, a full brother to champion Monomoy Girl, is competing in dressage and competitive trail at #TBMakeover
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
Listen to Terence Collier extolling the virtues of @LanesEndFarms sire Lemon Drop Kid, who is still plenty sassy at age 24. IMO, an underrated sire and broodmare sire. Would love to see him strike with a big son. #LEPressPass2020
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
What’s up, Justify?
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Rich Strike had a low-key day of jogging and cantering in an empty shedrow this morning. After coughing a couple times following work the other morning, scope and bloodwork clean, but Reed wanted to be cautious not to do too much. #BC22
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Welcome to #Saratoga , #KyDerby winner Rich Strike.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Hot Rod Charlie and Coach Lava Man. #BC22
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
8 years
20 years ago today, Alphabet Soup bested Cigar in the @BreedersCup Classic. Here he is yesterday at @Oldfriendsfarm
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
Champion Unique Bella has delivered her first foal, a Medaglia d’Oro filly.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
Tiz the Law coming through the lane working for #BC20 at #Keeneland
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 months
Happy 30th birthday wishes for 1997 #KyDerby / #Preakness winner Silver Charm at @Oldfriendsfarm this afternoon …
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Triple Crown winner and leading young sire American Pharoah. About to start his sixth season at @coolmoreamerica - where does the time go?
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 years
Justify's second time by as he finished up about a 1 1/2M gallop. #Preakness
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
4 years
Honor A. P.'s retirement from racing has been announced. As previously reported, he will stand at @LanesEndFarms alongside his sire Honor Code. Colt won G1 Santa Anita Derby earlier this year, and was most recently fourth in #KyDerby . We'll have more to follow.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Champion Essential Quality getting ready to stand his first season at @DarleyAmerica
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Someone asked me yesterday how Tapits handle off tracks. Tapits tend to run on anything, and Tacitus, followed here by Roadster and Vekoma, looked as smooth to me this morning as he has other days this week. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
Flightline practicing walking that stallion show walk at @LanesEndFarms
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Oakhurst Equine of Oregon reports the death of Grindstone, 1996 #KyDerby winner.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
So anyway, about #KeeSept …..
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Louisiana Derby winner Hot Rod Charlie and his Hall of Fame pony Lava Man. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Flightline back to the track to jog after working Saturday. #BC22
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 years
Hello, old friend. Triple Crown winner American Pharoah looking grand yesterday at Ashford. Now in the midst of his third Kentucky breeding season. #wheredoesthetimego
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Mendelssohn getting ready for his first season at @coolmoreamerica . Son of Scat Daddy is half to champion Beholder, prominent sire Into Mischief.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
5 years
Tacitus first time by in his gallop. #KyDerby
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
8 days
The brothers! Harley and Rip working #KyDerby week at Churchill Downs
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
3 years
Zenyatta's connections report on official website that the champion mare has lost the 2021 Candy Ride filly she was carrying. "Thankfully, Zenyatta remains in excellent health and is doing very well."
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
7 years
Irish War Cry gallops #KyDerby morning. Like how he gets over wet track.
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
6 months
One of the best traditions at #Keeneland is the Headless Horseman’s annual breeze through the lane
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
More Than Ready, a legend on two continents and still going strong, at @WinStarFarm . One of the most successful sires in the history of the @BreedersCup
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
Shedaresthedevil alertly takes it all in at #FTNov
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
The one-eyed Finnick the Fierce is also competing in the trail division at #TBMakeover ! #OTTB
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
2 years
MGSW Protonico, the sire of Medina Spirit, yesterday at @castletonlyons
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@DRFRusso
Nicole Russo
1 year
#TBT : Multi-time leading sire Tapit, whose 2022 season was highlighted by Flightline, at Gainesway in November
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