The now 14-year-old pacing mare has the distinction of being the first horse in the trainer’s groundbreaking career, which now includes a victory in the North American Cup to go along with three O’Brien awards as Canada’s top trainer and more than $25 million in career earnings.
It was November 2002, when owner Merlin Howse gave the young trainer the go-ahead to make a claim on his behalf and Keeper Flying (Nuclear Flash—Maddie Hayes) became the first of many good things to come.
The mare raced admirably during her career in the claiming ranks, amassing $78,000 from 15 wins. Howse and Coleman, who lost and then reclaimed the mare several times over, still hold the papers on her to this day.
Moments after Sportswriter’s win in the North America Cup on June 26 at Mohawk Racetrack, Coleman’s thoughts drifted back to those first steps in her career.
“If it wasn’t for Merlin Howse, who came to me with my first horse Keeper Flying and let me claim her… If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be standing here today,” she said, emphatically.
“I wouldn’t have a stable under me, if it wasn’t for him. He was the first person to put that trust in me, put some money behind me and give me a shot, so a lot of this goes to him.”
Four years ago, the duo bred their sentimental favourite to Intrepid Seelster and, for the last two seasons, a second-generation “Keeper” has kept a smile on the face of trainer Phil Coleman, Casie’s father, who has guided Keepers Destiny to an impressive record racing across Ontario — at his home base of Flamboro Downs, as well as Western Fair, Grand River Raceway, Woodbine and Rideau Carleton Raceway.
In 37 career starts, Keepers Destiny has won 11 times, hit the board 28 times, only missed a cheque on three occasions and has earned more than $136,000.
“It’s special for us all,” said Phil, 59, referring to the Keeper-Coleman legacy.
“That was Casie’s first horse and Merlin Howse was her first owner. And now (Keeper Flying’s) daughter comes along and has only missed a cheque three times in her career. That’s amazing. It’s just a special thing.”
