Lexington horse trainer looking for long-shot win while carrying a heavy heart
Will Walden, who send Bless the Broken into the 151st Kentucky Oaks, lost an inspirating person in his life just days ago
Walden after morning training at Churchill Downs.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Will Walden is in uncharted territory already. He’s entering into his first ever Kentucky Oaks on Friday with his filly, Bless the Broken.
“We don’t wanna shy away from the spotlight,” said Walden at his barn after morning work. “It’s the Kentucky Oaks. It’s Derby Week. It’s Churchill Downs. It’s the first weekend in May.”
His trust is fully in the three-year-old as she gets ready for her biggest moment as well. Bless the Broken is currently a 30-1 longshot to win the race out of post 12
“I couldn’t be more confident that she’s gonna bring her game,” said Walden, who is the won of Elliot Walden, a multiple graded stakes winning trainer and former CEO of Winstar Farm.
Despite Will’s status from his father in the racing industry, he felt like no one would ever welcome him after he slipped into drug and alcohol addiction for years.
“I thought I had forfeited the opportunity to work on the race track again,” said Walden. “It’ll be five years November 21st, the last time I put a mind altering substance in my body. I think true change comes when faced with real adversity.”
In that past half decade, Will beat his addiction, became a horse trainer and started Will Walden Racing Stables. He has several horses at Keeneland and is climbing the ladder of racing just like his father once did.
It’s nice to be the one that people count on today, but I don’t do it alone,” said Walden, who keeps plenty of his buddies from Stable Recovery, a Nicholasville based addiction rehab program close.
The late Josh Bryan.
Credit- Stable Recovery
One of them was the late Josh Bryan, who was born with a defect that impacted his facial development. Last month, after undergoing extensive jaw surgery, Bryan passed away from complications days later at 33-years-old.
“If this kid can go through life with a smile on his face, his chin up and his chest out then what do I have to complain about?” said Walden. ‘”Josh meant way more to me than I’m sure I meant to him.”
Will is remembering him as he prepares for the biggest moment of his career.
“To know that he was a part of the ride and the journey that we had here is immeasurable,” said Walden. “Josh would give me a call and tell me he loves me regardless of whether we win or lose on Friday.”
