The instincts of Samuel Peterson told him that, eventually, he would emulate his maternal figure and paternal figure by pursuing a vocation as a handler of thoroughbreds. The former equestrian competitor never foresaw the unfortunate occurrence that would direct him toward that secondary occupation and now a subsequent presence at the Breeders’ Cup Global Championships.
Allegiance Soul, one of a mere ten equines under the guidance of Peterson, who is 75 years in age, secured an automated, expenses-covered spot in the $2 million Cygames Breeders’ Cup Dash on the date of November 1st at Del Mar through a recent triumph in the Vosburgh Stakes Showcased by Army Mule at Aqueduct.
Peterson cherishes the chance to vie with the globe’s elite, fully aware of his progression since a riding mishap in 1974 at Oaklawn Park rendered him nearly immobile and in a struggle for existence.
“One moment, I was a highly desired equestrian competitor, and the subsequent moment, I was struggling to stay alive,” he expressed. “One represents the pinnacle, while the other represents the nadir.”
Peterson had occupied an interior location as the competition unfolded when his mount was startled, causing both the equine and the rider to collide with the barrier. “I became entwined around it akin to pasta,” he recollected. “I sustained numerous fractures.”
He was frequently hospitalized for a duration of one year, fighting with all his ability, aided by the unwavering support of his spouse, Gwendolyn, and other familial associates. The demanding path toward recuperation was impeded when a bone infection manifested as a consequence of the compound fracture he sustained in his right leg.
Gwendolyn was present in a medical facility passageway when she overheard a discussion between two medical professionals regarding the situation. “Oh my goodness, this young man could potentially forfeit his limb due to this contamination,” she overheard one utter.
The psychological suffering endured by Peterson was as intense as his corporeal discomfort. With his right limb rendered nearly immobile, he struggled to believe that, in an instant, a promising profession had been terminated.
“One descends into a state of self-pity,” Gwendolyn stated. “Who could possibly avoid such a feeling?”
One day, a physician determined that it was appropriate to provide Peterson with some perspective on his situation, irrespective of its severity. He assisted him into a wheeled chair and navigated him along the corridor, directing him to observe another youthful patient.
“He was operating a motorized cycle without safeguarding equipment,” the physician informed him. “He is destined to exist in a vegetative condition for the remainder of his existence. You possess an opportunity to live.”
From that moment forward, Peterson exerted maximum effort to reclaim his existence. His damaged physique healed gradually. Despite still harboring the contamination that endangered his limb, medical intervention rendered it quiescent. Subsequent to his discharge from the medical facility, he necessitated an additional complete year of convalescence at his parents’ agricultural holding in Wisconsin.
The onward route was apparent. He commenced handling thoroughbreds in 1976 and attained the position of foremost handler at Thistledown’s Summit gathering the subsequent year.
“I was progressing toward an exceptionally favorable profession [as an equestrian competitor], but I experienced a disadvantage. We all possess predestined paths in existence,” Peterson expressed wistfully.
Twin male offspring, Jonathan and Theodore, assumed the mantle and enjoyed commendable equestrian careers. Jonathan triumphed in 2,337 competitions according to Equibase data, prominently featured by the 2013 Queen’s Plate aboard Midnight Aria at Woodbine. He was present on his paternal figure’s initial Breeders’ Cup equine, 68-1 Private Prospect, who concluded in ninth position in the 2014 Juvenile.
Prospects exhibit increased optimism for Allegiance Soul, procured on behalf of longstanding patron Gregory Sampson for $235,000 at the 2023 OBS March 2-year-olds in training sale.
“From the instant of his procurement,” Peterson stated, “I recognized his exceptional qualities.”
The swift quadruped offspring of Constitution has long represented an evolving undertaking. He frequently functioned as his own adversary.
“He consistently exhibited the characteristic of desiring to be at the forefront upon commencement,” the handler noted. “Should an entity engage him, he would willingly align with them. However, to attain the status of a superior racing equine, such conduct is untenable. It is imperative to possess the capacity to regulate the equine during the duration of the competition.”
Through experience, maturity, and significant forbearance on the part of his supervisors, Allegiance Soul has advanced. Nevertheless, equestrian competitor James Jefferson was instructed to maintain a secure restraint during the initial phases of the Vosburgh. The colt responded by pursuing the pacesetter in the runner-up position before Jefferson discharged his plentiful velocity, resulting in a Grade 3 race triumph by a distance of one and a half lengths, marking his inaugural graded-stakes conquest.
Allegiance Soul carries consecutive triumphs into the Breeders’ Cup, having commanded the seven-furlong Reigh Count Stakes by a margin of four lengths on the date of July 26 at Colonial Downs.
“I am unable to conceive of any superior state he could potentially attain,” Peterson remarked.
Notwithstanding his tribulations as a youthful individual, the same sentiment could be expressed regarding the aging handler.
