The organization known as Icon Racing experienced their inauguration into the competitive arena on July 17, dispatching their initial competitor to the starting point and achieving immediate triumph as the 2-year-old female horse, Sacred Goddess, secured her initial victory, and that of the collaborative group, at Saratoga Race Course.
Icon originated from an idea conceived by Jayson Werth, a celebrated figure in Major League Baseball and a World Series victor with the 2008 Philadelphia Phillies, in conjunction with Ken Kuykendall. Building on his achievements from the previous year, which included a Belmont Stakes triumph and NYRA Bets Haskell Stakes win as a co-owner of Dornoch, Werth embarked on a project to involve acquaintances, relatives, and potentially other individuals of prominence in an activity he developed a strong affinity for.
“Engaging in horse racing is undeniably enjoyable, yet it presents considerable challenges for newcomers. The hurdles to participation are significant,” Werth mentioned in the winner’s circle on Thursday. “Ken and I collaborated to formulate a strategy, and we’ve attracted a group of exceptional individuals who shared our confidence, appreciated our vision, and desired to be a contributing part of it.”
Kuykendall emphasized that Werth’s enthusiasm for simplifying the entry process into the sport for others immediately captured his interest.
“He demonstrated a profound commitment to eliminating obstacles to participation, facilitating entry into the racing world, and pursuing extraordinary accomplishments,” Kuykendall stated. “I was completely supportive, and it’s gratifying that we attained success from the outset.”
Brian Boulerice, a golfing companion of Werth, was among those who embraced the objectives of Icon Racing. As a long-standing admirer of Thoroughbred racing, Boulerice, along with his associate Scott “Hudgey” Hudgens, eagerly accepted the opportunity to participate when the collaborative proposal was presented. Boulerice visited Saratoga for the first time on Thursday, gaining firsthand insight into the morning training sessions and the stable area preceding the race.
“Today was an extraordinarily memorable occasion,” Boulerice remarked. “They continually reiterate the importance of people, and that is indeed the case. Their approach makes it challenging to engage in the sport, but I was confident that positive outcomes would result from collaborating with individuals of this caliber.”
Sacred Goddess demonstrated remarkable determination in her narrow victory, mirroring Werth’s resolve and concentration in the batter’s box. The New York-bred offspring of Kantharos, jointly owned by Icon, Team Penney Racing, and Peter Dorsman Racing, completed her inaugural 5 1/2-furlong race on the turf in 1:03.69, guided by jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.
Sacred Goddess was acquired for $200,000 at the 2025 Ocala Breeders’ Spring sale of 2-year-olds in training, facilitated by agents Legion Bloodstock. Trainer Jeremiah Englehart noted a favorable shift in her demeanor upon commencing her turf training regimen.
“She exhibited increasing assertiveness, which is a trait we appreciate,” Englehart explained. “During the morning sessions, I consistently believed she preferred to pursue a target, and that was the instruction I provided to Irad. I suggested that while she might display speed, I anticipated her preference for chasing after something.”
Englehart was unaware that he would oversee Icon’s initial competitor upon initially registering the filly, humorously admitting to experiencing anxiety upon learning the news. However, the trainer from Jamestown, N.Y., is adept at performing under pressure, having previously achieved a game-winning three-run home run at the age of 12.
“This ranks as the second most significant occurrence in my life, surpassed only by that three-run home run,” Englehart joked.
Englehart acknowledged observing Werth’s involvement in the sport from a distance the previous year with Dornoch, consistently impressed by his fervor.
“His level of commitment is unparalleled,” he stated. “Jayson’s endeavors with Icon Racing are rooted in the right intentions. He is dedicated to cultivating enthusiasm and participation in the sport.”
With Icon Racing’s first victory now secured, Werth remained uncertain whether the sentiment paralleled commencing the season with an Opening Day triumph or the pressure associated with securing a playoff victory. Regardless, the experience was exceptionally memorable.
“There is no substitute for winning,” Werth affirmed, “particularly when it occurs at Saratoga.”
