L-L man part of legacy of shipping Kentucky Derby racers

Pack your pony; we are up, up and away.

By Tom Bracealone
Special to the Enterprise

Equine Air

President Rob Clark

Every year on the first Saturday in May in Louisville, Ky., a peculiar thing happens at a gathering in a place called Churchill Downs. Travelers come from overseas, both our coasts and hundreds of small towns in between, including company chiefs, celebrities, politicians, royalty, true horsemen and common folk. Some come yearly. For others, scrapping every dollar to get there in any manner possible, in clothes some had to borrow to feel presentable, seeing the Derby is a goal of a lifetime.

All come in a great mix of humanity and anticipation of an event. A horse race. One full of tradition, history and great preparation.

Fireworks, a parade, a steamboat race, parties and barbecues in fine horse farms. White fences, bluegrass and bourbon. Those who have been there feel its electricity. There is a vibrancy of expectation that is difficult to describe. It’s felt in coffee shops and restaurants. Something is in the air.

Some arrive in private jets and have private boxes. Some in jammed buses. Some come without tickets, just to be there. They come each with their own drama of how they got there and to have stories to take home. The grandstands and infield are filled.

But another drama is taking place on the other side of the track. The backside. Trainers and vets, press, a track kitchen, grooms, outriders, jockeys, security and horses.

Each year, some 35,000 foals are born and bred for racing. Most owners and trainers have one quiet hope: Let’s make a great race horse. Let’s make it to the Kentucky Derby. Through a stringent points and earnings system of different graded races, thoroughbreds are nominated to compete. On Saturday afternoon, about 20 will be there, each carrying the dream of a lifetime.

However, shipping them is not a simple case of “what can Brown do for you?” Some come by van. Others will fly first class in equine air travel with H.E. (Tex) Sutton L.L.C.

Tex Sutton was a legendary pioneer and innovator of equine air travel who started his transport company in 1969 after rail freight fees rose $1,000 per car. Handling and loading horses on a Boeing 727 required designed ramps, stalls, even room for pets, to calm, and trust by trainers, to fly a most treasured cargo: Derby contenders and winners.

Born in Texas, dirt poor, Tex left to work the tracks, as a hot walker, rider and groom. His success found him with every major name in racing. His great generosity found him giving clothes and shoes (500 pair at a time) to the Boys Ranch, and tips that would stagger hard-working waitresses.

He died in 2000, at 78.

Shortly after, longtime friend and business associate Dave Clark bought the company. His son Rob joined, with the daunting task of maintaining the Sutton image, and reputation.

A strong work ethic and vision paid off. Rob now runs the company, and those who know him see his humor and straight forward – a kind of man like Tex Sutton was.

Rob, his wife Davina and their two young boys, Dylan and Dallas, live on Lake Leelanau in the summer and shop oddly in a place called Suttons Bay.

His company just flew Arkansas Derby winner Curlin to Churchill. To try and win, and make history. But in any race, only one can.

That does not stop the spirit in those who don’t. Trainers and jockeys know a horse will run its heart out for you. Even with a broken leg. So a peculiar thing happens here.

The crowd comes to laugh, party, have mint juleps and wager. What most do not expect is a celebration of spirit between horse and human.

That will come when some 130,000 strong stand silent before the race, and hear the singing of My Old Kentucky Home. “Weep no more my Lady…”

It strikes the core of this country’s heartland. The spirit that resides in each of us.

Particularly those in borrowed clothes.

Ed. note: Tom Brancaleone is a writer and producer of film documentaries, and a copywriter for his advertising agency. He lives in Empire and Royal Oak.