Jayson Werth Transitions to Horse Racing, Calls It His New Passion

UPDATE: Former MLB star Jayson Werth has made a surprising shift in his athletic focus, declaring horse racing as his new favorite sport during an interview last week. In a conversation that kicked off with praise for Shohei Ohtani’s performance, Werth’s enthusiasm quickly pivoted to his burgeoning passion for horse racing, underscoring a remarkable transformation in his post-baseball career.

While the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays gear up for the World Series, Werth was preoccupied with bidding on a yearling at the Keeneland sales in Kentucky. “Wait, I’ve got to go bid on a horse, I’ll be back in two minutes,” Werth said, before returning to announce his successful purchase of a Good Magic colt for $110,000. This acquisition is part of his new venture, Icon Racing, a syndicate that brings together 25-30 investors aiming to compete at the highest levels, including the Triple Crown.

Werth is not alone in this endeavor; he is joined by notable figures such as media executive Ian Ritchie, baseball agent Jeff Berry, and former MLB pitcher Shawn Kelly. This partnership allows investors to experience horse ownership without the financial burden of training or veterinary costs, making it an attractive option for sports enthusiasts.

“I tell people if you play professional sports, you do it on the field with teammates, but in horse racing, you do it with your family and friends,” Werth explained. This camaraderie enhances the experience, making each race feel more significant and personal.

This weekend, Werth will be present at the Breeders’ Cup in Del Mar, often referred to as the “World Series of racing.” He owns a horse named Outfielder, scheduled to compete in the Juvenile Turf on Friday, a fitting tribute to his baseball number, 28.

Werth’s journey into horse racing began unexpectedly through golf outings with friends who owned thoroughbreds. “I went to a race and thought this is cool. Then I went to a race owning a horse and I went, ‘I get it. This is it,’” he recalled. The thrill of ownership brings a unique sense of teamwork, likening the experience to being back on a sports team.

Despite warnings about the risks of horse ownership, Werth dove in headfirst, shifting from investing in fillies to colts after a conversation with trainer Danny Gargan. His venture paid off when Dornoch, a horse he co-owned, qualified for the Kentucky Derby after winning two significant races. However, the Derby experience was nerve-wracking for him. “I was hyperventilating and almost passed out,” he said, reflecting on the high stakes and intense emotions of the race.

Dornoch finished 10th in the Derby but later triumphed in the Belmont Stakes, an exhilarating comeback that left Werth feeling vindicated. “It felt like a kick in the gut because I felt like we had a horse that could win the Derby,” he remarked, highlighting the unpredictability and excitement of racing.

Looking forward, Werth remains open about his journey in horse racing. “This is something we wanted to do just for fun and it has been awesome,” he stated. Despite his limited knowledge of the sport, he cherishes the competition and the camaraderie it fosters among partners and friends. “I owned 10% of the horse but had 100% of the fun,” he emphasized, showcasing the joy of sharing the experience with fellow investors.

As for the Dodgers, his former team, Werth admitted, “The Dodgers released me, it’s hard to root for the Dodgers.” His focus now lies in the thrilling world of horse racing, where he continues to forge connections and chase victories on a new field.

In summary, Jayson Werth’s pivot to horse racing not only reflects his passion for competition but also highlights the emotional connections forged through shared experiences in sports. With the Breeders’ Cup approaching, all eyes will be on Werth and his endeavors in this exciting new chapter.