Joe Sharp: "We're willing to try pretty much anything here"

The lucrative purses offered by Kentucky Downs have successfully attracted top horsemen from across the country. By the end of the opening weekend, 133 different trainers had started at least one horse for 283 unique owners and partnerships. Yet, one name stands out among the rest: trainer Joe Sharp.

With an impressive 35% win rate to kick off the meet, Sharp secured two victories on each of the first three days, bringing his total to six wins—double that of Wesley Ward and Steve Asmussen. Though his $659,963 in purse earnings ranks fifth overall, it's the highest among trainers who haven't won or finished second in a stakes race.

"We're willing to try pretty much anything here," Sharp remarked. "I think the key to having a successful meet at Kentucky Downs is running a lot of horses and giving yourself plenty of chances."

And chances have indeed been plentiful for the Kentucky-based trainer, who leads the meet with 17 starters. This success is especially rewarding after a challenging few weeks for his barn. In the 17 starts leading up to the August 29 start of the Kentucky Downs meet, Sharp's runners finished second seven times, with only one win. Remarkably, three of his six opening weekend winners had entered the meet off a runner-up finish.

"When those seconds turn into wins, especially at a place like Kentucky Downs with this kind of purse structure, it definitely helps ease the frustration," Sharp said.

Sharp's success comes at a crucial time, as Churchill Downs has temporarily suspended its turf racing due to maintenance during a three-week September meet starting September 12. Kentucky Downs' last day is September 11, meaning turf racing in the Bluegrass State won't return until Keeneland opens on October 4.

"It definitely makes you run more down here, knowing there won't be turf racing for the rest of September," Sharp noted. "We're grateful that Churchill is addressing the turf issue, and we're looking forward to when it’s healthy again. We'll be there to support them, whether it's on dirt or turf."

For now, Sharp and his owners are enjoying their success on the Franklin, Ky., lawn. Sharp brought the joy of the winners' circle to four different owners during opening weekend, praising the track’s purse structure, unique design, and owner-friendly hospitality as factors that easily convinced his clients to take a chance.

"Our owners have always trusted us to guide them in the right direction," Sharp said. "A lot of them actually come to the races here, and Kentucky Downs does a great job of making it owner-friendly and welcoming. It feels like a two-week vacation coming out of Saratoga."

Of course, that vacation still includes plenty of work. Sharp is gearing up for the second week of the meet, with seven entries across five different races on the September 5 card.

"We have live horses to run every day of the meet," Sharp said. "It’s about making sure everyone is ready and in good condition, and of course, racing luck is everything. We’ve been on the other side of that many times, so you just have to enjoy it when things go your way."

Interestingly, it’s not just Sharp’s horses performing well at Kentucky Downs—Sharp himself has been running several laps around the track each morning. When asked if he thinks these morning runs give him an edge over the competition, Sharp laughed and replied, "I do, it gives me peace of mind."