YOU JUST NEVER KNOW
by Randy Ratliff
As I approach nearly 33 years in the marketing business , a phrase consistently in my thoughts , is “ You just never know .” The meaning for me , is that in business you just never know what new client you might connect with . In life you never know what might or might not happen to you in terms of your health . You just never know what great things can happen if you keep your head down , work hard and treat people the way you want to be treated !
As I watched the horse named “ Rich Strike ” win at the Kentucky Derby this year , it was a magical moment . It was unexpected , it was exciting , and it was a sight to see . Then when you read the story behind “ Rich Strike ”, it makes you sit back and think about so many things we all go through in life . Here is the story behind the 2022 Kentucky Derby winner :
• Rich Strike won $ 1.86 million
• Entered the race 30 seconds before the deadline
• Only got in the race because the 20th horse had to scratch
• Started from the worst post position on the outside of the track
• Had to make his way through the field of 19 other horses from the back
• His race career ; 7 starts , one win
• His jockey , Sonny Leon , had never been to the Kentucky Derby
• His trainer , Eric Reed , had never raced a horse in the Kentucky Derby
• Eric Reed tragically lost nearly two dozen racehorses in a barn fire a few years ago and struggled with quitting
• Eric Reed lost his two assistant trainers last year to cancer
• His owner , Richard Dawson , bought his first horse in 2019 and has won less than 10 races
• Rich Strike was purchased in a claiming race last fall for only $ 30,000
• 80-1 odds
• Rich Strike wins the 148th Kentucky Derby !
What an incredible success story ! You can never give up on your dreams !
When I put the story of “ Rich Strike ” in perspective I see that it is so much more than just a horse that ran fast . The horse is simply one piece of the puzzle . Through his energy , so many people were connected from all walks of life . Because of all their trials and tribulations , they are now experiencing a new sense of worth and determination along with a sense of pride and appreciation for their work . We see this same scenario in the cattle business all the time : a breeder comes to the show or markets their animal , and the interest and demand is off the charts ; a bull ’ s semen is used and the resulting calves are way more than expected so the bull ’ s perception now becomes a true reality ; a daughter of a specific female is near perfect , and we see the value and demand of that cow ’ s future progeny escalate .
I merely wanted to share the “ Rich Strike ” story as an example of what can be achieved if we just keep breeding the right kind of cattle , keep connected with old and new customers and keep the “ synergy ” with your family and / or team that will be there for you at the finish line no matter how you place . The “ win ” is great only if there is someone there with you to celebrate !
Sincerely , Randall O . Ratliff Ratliff & Co .
Photo Credit : Scott Serio / Eclipse Sportswire
26 • JULY 2022