Trainer Mark Glatt is attending his first Kentucky Derby without his wife, Dena, as his horse So Happy competes at Churchill Downs [1, 2].
The event marks a significant emotional milestone for Glatt, who is racing to honor his late wife and find hope following a sudden family tragedy.
Dena Glatt died of a heart-related illness on Feb. 12, 2024 [3, 4]. She was 57 years old [5] and had been married to Mark Glatt for 25 years [3].
Glatt described the experience of being at the track without her as a difficult transition. "Losing Dena has been the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with," Glatt said [6].
Despite the grief, Glatt said he feels a spiritual connection during the competition. "I feel like Dena is right there with me, like an angel on my shoulder," Glatt said [1].
So Happy, a three-year-old colt [3], has shown significant potential leading up to the race. The horse previously secured a Grade 1 win at the Santa Anita Derby [6].
Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith, who has worked with the horse, expressed confidence in the animal's performance and the legacy of the trainer's wife. "She would be proud of what So Happy has accomplished," Smith said [6].
Glatt said he hopes the horse can bring him joy as he navigates the loss of his partner during one of the most prestigious events in horse racing [1, 2].
“"I feel like Dena is right there with me, like an angel on my shoulder,"”
The intersection of personal grief and professional competition at the Kentucky Derby highlights the emotional stakes for trainers beyond the purse. Glatt's experience underscores how the sporting community often serves as a support system for individuals facing sudden loss while maintaining the rigors of high-stakes animal husbandry and racing.
