We love a good Cinderella story, so we have been following this horse for a while. Billieve in Josh is named after the Buffalo Bill’s Josh Allen and because of this, he’s already generated a bit of local buzz during his career. Especially after he won his maiden race as a 30-1 longshot, surprising most everyone (except his trainer who always believed in him). It’s appropriate that this horse is named after a football player because Josh is certainly a big, handsome, tank of horse- all those things: thick, solid, massive, tall, strong, powerful. And, he has the huge presence and personality to match. We were told that Josh is sound but informed that he has been treated for EPM. He doesn’t have any stable vices (other than being addicted to having a stall full of toys and stuffed animals) and loves to make funny, goofy faces. He’s a great shipper and easy to work around. He is a cool dude on the farm where he is turned out in a mixed herd and gets along great with all the other horses. And Josh is now enjoying the turn out life on a farm near the track… which amkes him all the more attractive for restarting for a new career sincehe is aready getting the let down time that is so helpful to racehorses. Billieve in Josh is by Bal A Bali and out of a Sea the Stars mare and built more like an old-style Thoroughbred. His owner / trainer tells us that his massive size is like “sitting on a grizzly bear” and that he is a super comfy horse to ride. Our pictures don’t truly show how deep and wide he is! His trainer says that he loves to gallop, has a huge stride, and that you can “wind him up and let go, he’ll just keep going and going”. He’s used to being the big cheese in the barn; he pretty much “knows that he’s perfect” and is used to being the center of attention. With his build and demeanor, a smart, super-confident horse like Josh might be quite brave and excel as a foxhunter, eventer, or jumper. During his jog video we observed athletic movement- a nice walk over-step and a springy, animated jog. Because his handler is struggling with her own foot injury, and he was a bit fresh as she brought him out, and she was unable to move as quickly as she normally could, she put a lip chain on Josh for safety reasons on this brisk, chilly day.
Josh’s trainer has made a major life decision to exit racing. Josh has been her first successful race horse at the allowance level- the one that ‘has made it easy as he’s always done everything right’ which helped her realize her some of her dreams and professional goals. But now she feels Josh is telling her that he isn’t enjoying the track life and doesn’t want to race anymore. She doesn’t want to lose control of his destiny after he has been so good to her; and thus knows that it is time to help him to find his forever home. This young, athletic horse loves having a job, so he’s sure to shine in his new sport. We are hoping that one of our own “Bills Mafia” will be his perfect match! We agree with his trainer that he has a bright future off the track. Now, if only we could be as confident about our Bills Superbowl chances this year…
Racing Record: https://www.equibase.com/profiles/Results.cfm?type=Horse…
Pedigree: https://www.pedigreequery.com/billieve+in+josh
