There Was Something About Alan

Lucy and Randy Edwards (pictured here with Bertcha dam of Birdbirdistheword) are the breeders of Birdbirdistheword.

Birdbird did not always have such a long name. When being raised on the Edward's farm, which they call The Gambol, he was called Alan. The Gambol and sits on 17 1/2 acres about 20 miles northwest of Ocala and 5 miles south of Williston, Florida.

Lucy and Randy Edwards both work full-time jobs, Randy at Ocala Breeders Sales (OBS) while Lucy is a medical technologist with Florida's Blood Centers in Ocala. They have no employees and the work at The Gambol is split with Randy feeding in the morning and Lucy in the afternoon. When the foals arrive, they work together to handle them every evening. During breeding season their vet accommodates their schedules by coming early before Randy goes to work at OBS. A very dependable neighbor takes the mares to be bred.

Alan (center) and Bertcha (right)

The Edwards have eleven mares, up from nine last year as they bought two in October. One has foaled and there are eight more to go. They sold five foals in the October OBS sale and have just two yearling colts aimed for the August sale. They still own (with Sharon Biamonte) Berchta's two-year-old by Drewman who is going to OBS' April 2YO sale. Sharon preps and sells all their horses. While the amount of work isn't great (except when a horse(s) is sick or injured) it is relentless and tends to keep them home most of the time. When they travel, a another very dependable neighbor helps out.

The Edwards were kind enough to answer a few questions posed by Larry Green of Team Bird about themselves and life with Alan.

Q: Where did the nickname Alan come from?

A: The first thing that came to mind was Alan. Because he was so mild mannered and such a smart guy. Randy said: He seemed very intelligent and so the name.

Q: Did Alan stand out as a baby?

A: He really did stand out on the farm. He was long legged, graceful and moved so well.

Q: Was Alan independent or did he stay by his mares side?

A:: He was fairly independent and very inquisitive.

Q: How many horses do you have?

A: 11 broodmares.

Q: How long have you been in the horse business?

A: We bought 1/3 interest in a broodmare at the sale in 1996. Then in 1997 I bought some property and it took a while to clear it off. In 1999 we started buying our own brood mares.

Q: How did you pick Pure Prize to breed your mare to?

A: We bought the Berchta already in foal.

Q: What made you pick this mare?

A: We always look for mares that have raced and won or who are closely related to them. Berchta was a bonus as she was full sister to a G3 winner. I really did not know much about Pure Prize until I researched him prior to the sale and I really was impressed by his breeding. So we really felt that we had something special even before Alan was born. And Berchta was the only mare in the sale in foal to Pure Prize.

Q: Do you still own Berchta?

A: Yes. She is currently in foal to Lido Palace and is due any day now.

Q: What are your future plans with Berchta?

A: We definitely plan to breed her back to Pure Prize.

Q: Who are your all time favorite race horses?

A: Definitely Birdbirdistheword and I would say Secretariat.

Q: Do you race horses?

A: No we do not but may in the near future.

Birdbird Notes # 1

Birdbird is in the news here and there, here's a recap of the last few days.

Birdbird, was assigned 114 lbs on 2006 Experimental Free Handicap (Barbaro was also assigned 114 last year, so Birdbird is in good company) 13 less than Street Sense.


Kenny McPeek was interviewed by Mike Welsch of the Form, here 's a link to the article.


The Racing Dispatch released it's weekly poll and Birdbird ranked # 11 (the 1 next to a horse's names indicates one of the voters placed him at the top of their list. Will that voter please contact Birdbirdblog, we'd like to talk to you !!).

One Hundred Days

Any journey begins with one step and spectacular achievements almost always begin with unspectacular preparation. From Arcadia, California to the Fairgrounds in New Orleans to Palm Meadows in Florida, a few horsemen wake up in the morning with a promising three-year old in the barn and a dream in their hearts.

One hundred days to go.

Kenny McPeek has dreamed this dream before; in 1995 Tejano Run almost made the dream came true. A few years later Deputy Warlock, Harlan's Holiday and Repent came along but each time the dream slipped away.

It's been seven weeks since the Delta Jackpot and Birdbird is getting a little restless. He's been galloping under tack six days a week for the last three weeks; he's filled out and is full of himself but a little bit of boredom has set in. It's time to do more. And so this Saturday, Birdbird takes that first step on the journey to Louisville. The preparations begin as Birdbird gets down to work with a three furlong breeze under exercise rider, Alberto Balbuena at Palm Meadows.

Daddy's Mistress Wins The Birdbird Purse

Daddy's Mistress, coming off a five month layoff wins the $36,000 Birdbirdistheword Purse at Delta Downs on Saturday night for B and G Stable, trainer Scott Tubbs and jockey Jeffrey Burningham.

Larry Green of Team Bird presents Kentucky Colonel Commissions to Kathy Vice, Delta Down's racing liasion and Chris Warren, racing manager(accepting on his own behalf and that of Mr Boyd, owner of Delta Downs).

Delta Downs Names Race In Birdbird's Honor

Delta Downs has carded the sixth race on Saturday January 20th as the Birdbirdistheword Purse, a seven furlong $36,000 allowance for Louisiana-bred three-year olds. Larry Green of Team Bird will be presenting Birdbirdistheword hats to the connections of the winner.

Larry will also be presenting Kentucky Colonel Commissions, the highest honor awarded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky to individuals in recognition of noteworthy accomplishments and outstanding service. These commissions will be presented to Delta Downs owner, Mr. Boyd and Mr. Warren and Ms. Vice of Delta Downs. After his visit in December, Birdbird's owner, Ray Cottrell, Sr. was so impressed with the hospitality and professional treatment he received while at Delta Downs that he mentioned it to Governor Fletcher of Kentucky and the Governor felt that these special individuals are great ambassadors to the thoroughbred horse racing industry and that they are truly serving the racing industry in an exemplary manner.

I Ain't Knocking At The Door; I'm Kicking It Down

Steve Haskin of Bloodhorse published the first of his Derby lists today and Boyd Gaming’s Delta Jackpot (gr. III) winner Birdbirdistheword, trained by Kenny McPeek, is knocking at the door according to Steve. We here at Birdbirdblog think that Steve needs to give his list more thought!

A Once In A Lifetime Horse: You Gotta Love Him

Owner Ray Cottrell Sr. plants one on Birdbirdistheword in his stall at Delta Downs.



Birdbirdistheword is now stabled at Palm Meadows in Florida where he can be seen modeling his Jackpot blanket with his groom, Roberto Abambriz

Team Bird Celebrates Winning The Jackpot

Here are a few members of Team Bird on the evening of his big win in the $1,000,000 Delta Jackpot. From the left: Mark Green, Toby Keith and Larry Green. Toby Keith's, Go Pappa Fooze was the early pacesetter in the Jackpot, Toby also owned Cactus Ridge, winner of the 2003 Arlington Washington Futurity.



From the left: Brenda Cottrell Tyree, Toby Keith and Karen Cottrell.