Tami Bobo, a partial owner of the horse Catalytic, shared her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful figure in the horse racing industry as she prepares for the 150th Kentucky Derby. This will be Bobo’s third time having a horse run in the prestigious event, with her previous horses, Simplification and Take Charge Indy, both achieving respectable results. She attributes her success to her God-given talent and the inner instinct that guides her to choose the right horses. Despite purchasing her horses for bargain prices, Bobo’s eye for potential and willingness to overlook minor imperfections have paid off.
Bobo’s belief in giving both horses and humans a chance to prove themselves stems from her own experiences as a single mother who started out buying and selling auction barn horses. Through hard work and determination, she transitioned into the Quarter Horse industry before eventually entering the thoroughbred business. She emphasizes that the true value of a horse lies in its God-given talents and abilities, rather than superficial imperfections. Only a small percentage of racehorses qualify for the Kentucky Derby each year, making it a significant achievement for Bobo to have had three of her horses make it to Churchill Downs.
As a pinhooker, Bobo follows a strict rule of investing in horses with a quick return on investment in the weanling to yearling market. She carefully selects horses that show promise and potential, raising them on her farm in Florida before reselling them at public auctions. While acknowledging the expensive nature of horse racing, Bobo chose to partner with fellow owner Julie Davies after being impressed by her dedication to finding and training top-quality horses. Together, they have nurtured Catalytic into a competitive racehorse with a bright future in the sport.
Despite receiving tempting offers for Catalytic before the Kentucky Derby, Bobo decided to hold onto the horse and enjoy the journey leading up to the prestigious event. Her ultimate goal is for the horse to have a safe trip during the race and come out healthy and ready for future competitions. Bobo expresses gratitude for the opportunity to be a part of the Derby and sees each race as a chance to showcase the talent and class of her horses. She believes that with hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve success in the horse racing industry, regardless of their background or financial status.
Bobo’s story highlights the resilience and determination required to succeed in the competitive world of horse racing. From her modest beginnings as a single mother buying and selling horses to her current position as a respected figure in the industry, Bobo’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and faith in one’s abilities. By focusing on the innate talents and capabilities of her horses, she has been able to achieve remarkable results at the highest levels of competition. As she prepares for the Kentucky Derby, Bobo remains focused on ensuring the well-being and success of Catalytic, while also inspiring others to pursue their dreams in the world of horse racing.
