Northern Fleet "Miss Courage"

Now were up to remember another fine female Thoroughbred. Who represented the Sheldon Wolfe Stable oh so well!

It was at the fall 1994 Timonium two year old in training sale. Where my dad purchased a beautiful liver chestnut filly by Afeet named "Northern Fleet". She was very well bread and looked the part of a very good horse. There was only one problem. Northern Fleet had not raced as a two year old. Because of concern of soundness of her front legs. The rear legs of the horse. Helps to produce the power and rhythm of there stride. When they run. The front legs act as the shock absorbers. If the there front legs can't take the stress and pounding of racing. Then there career won't be very good. Or there career won't last for very long.

But my dad and the owners Carl Kujawa and Bill Brennon from Buffalo. Were willing to gamble and take the chance on her. So they brought Northern Fleet home to Canada. To prepare for her 3 year old year. With hope and enthusiasm.

However things were going well for Northern Fleet. As she tried to race at Woodbine. This talented and courageous filly. Was trying to compete and to win. But chronic pain in her front legs was becoming an issue. For Northern Fleet could not break her maiden, and win her first race.

The fall came and the decision was made to take Northern Fleet to race at the Fall Keeneland. Racing in Kentucky Northern Fleet could legally race on anti-pain medication. Racing in Kentucky Northern Fleet would have a chance to run, pain free.

On October 19 at beautiful Keeneland Race Course. Northern Fleet started in a maiden allowance race. The distance was 7 furlongs and 184 feet. Northern Fleet would draw the outside post position in the field of 12, and would be piloted by top Kentucky based veteran rider Charlie Woods Jr.

The gate opened and Northern Fleet flew out of the gate full of run, and wanting to run, very badly.
Down the back stretch. Charlie and Northern Fleet were cruising on the lead, and in full control of the race. Yes a few of the fillies tried to match stride with Northern Fleet. But it was useless. Northern Fleet Kentucky Debut was an easy 2 1/2 length victory! Charlie came back to the winners circle and told my dad that Northern Fleet had won the race easily! And that she was a very talented racehorse. Kentucky to the rescue again!

Win number 2 would take place at Turfway Park on the night of December 8th. The distance was 6 1/2 furlongs and Northern Fleet was ridden by Cleveland champion jockey Jason Lumpkins.
Jason who was a very talented rider. Showed his true talent is guiding Northern Fleet to a powerful come behind 3 length victory. Jason and Northern Fleet broke from the difficult 1 post position. Jason Lumpkins just let Northern Fleet settle into her stride. When Northern Fleet found it. The race was all hers' and she ran by her opposition. Making them look inferior. Northern Fleet was starting to show her true talent. They she could really run, and had class!

Win number 3 would also take place on the night of December 28th. This time Northern Fleet's pilot would be veteran Kenny Bourque. Also my dad would send out Northern Fleet to run in a 1 mile & 1/16 allowance race.
Northern Fleet ran another huge race. Proving that the two turn mile distance and the tougher competition was no problem. Northern Feet ended her short career with a determined head victory.

Sadly Northern Fleet never made it back to the races for her 4 year old year. But the the 3 wins she had for the Wolfe Stable in the fall and early winter of 1995. Will always give her a special place in the memory of my dad's training career. Northern Fleet had a lot of talent and heart. She just wasn't born with sound legs.