Everland, a 3-year-old filly, will represent Utica this Friday at the Kentucky Oaks, one of the horse racing’s biggest events annually.
Eric and Brooklyn Foster own Utica-based business Foster Family Racing, which specializes in training thoroughbred race horses.
Everland started racing in 2023, making her debut at a September MSW (Maiden Special Weight) at Kentucky Downs, where she placed 6th (1:36.05). She opened up 2024 with her training title win at Turfway Bourbonette Oaks, with a time of 1:44.36.
“I wasn’t expecting to be in that position. I knew we would win a lot of races, but it wasn’t even a target. I don’t like to set my sights on something that I don’t feel is possible, but we hit a good streak there. When you hit two or three wins a week, your momentum changes,” Eric Foster said in a video interview uploaded by the Kentucky division of the Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association (KY HBPA).
Much like the momentum change, he said things have happened quickly, such as growing their team to ensure they care for Everland and their other horses.
With the stage set at Churchill Downs in Louisville and Everland ready to race from slot 9, Foster said he’s trying to ensure her schedule doesn’t change too much so she’s in her best shape for the race.
“I’m trying to keep her from knowing anything is going on and keep her normal routine going. She’s doing great, eating faster than normal but everything seems to be going good,” Foster said in a second interview video with KY HBPA.
In preparation for the race, Foster said Everland has trained on dirt at Keeneland, to which he said she responded well. In open practices, she’s already shaping up well for the day.
Thus far, Eric told KY HBPA, Oaks Week has been treating him well, adding that having to stay on top of the many facets of horse racing is helping him stay focused on the mission. He credited the local scene in Owensboro as assisting him in honing his abilities in training racing horses.
“There were a few different farms [in Owensboro] that I worked at and the different people at home that were really good horsemen. … I fed off them and the guys I worked for to get some advice. I try to play it all together to use a little bit of what everybody’s got, and a lot of those guys, in my opinion, are top horsemen,” Eric said in the KY HBPA interview.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Everland’s odds to win were 30-1. The race will start at 4:51 p.m. Friday and can be watched on NBC, Peacock, USA, or FanDuel TV.
