“It Was Toby’s Dream”: Toby Keith’s Horse Will Run the Kentucky Derby

Toby Keith’s big dream is coming true after his death. The late singer‘s horse, Render Judgment, will compete in this year’s Kentucky Derby, according to a post on Keith’s X account.

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“It was Toby’s dream….Render Judgment is going to the @KentuckyDerby,” the post read. “He worked so hard to finally have one there! Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.”

Render Judgment has 30-1 odds in the race, according to the Derby. The highly-anticipated event will take place May 3 at Churchill Downs.

Speaking to FanDuel TV, Render Judgment’s trainer, Kenny McPeek, explained why he decided to throw the horse’s hat in the ring.

“It’s going to be deep water for him, but we’re going to take over a horse that’s very healthy,” McPeek said on Render Judgment, who will be ridden by Julien Leparoux. “I understand the dream… and it’s Toby Keith’s family, and Toby passed away this past year, and I think there’s some sentiment there.”

Toby Keith’s Love of Horses

Keith, who died in February 2024 after a stomach cancer battle, was a noted horseman. He established Oklahoma’s Dream Walkin’ Farms in 2001, where he produced a successful racing operation.

In a 2024 interview with The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, a trainer who worked with one of Keith’s horses spoke out about the singer’s love for the sport.

“He was a guy who loved horse racing, all facets of it,” Bret Calhoun told the outlet. “He loved the breeding part of it, the racing, and he was a big promoter of horse racing. Just an overall good guy… We had a lot of fun together, a lot of success.”

Calhoun also had praise for Keith as a boss, stating, “He was a guy who just loved the action and the horses… He let you do what you’re supposed to do. He was involved, but he just kind of watched it, listened to you, took your advice and let you do your job.”

As for Keith the man, Calhoun was equally complimentary.

“He was a big star, larger than life, but he was just a regular guy as well,” he said of Keith. “He was so approachable, so easy to talk with. You really enjoyed being around him, and he treated everybody the same. It didn’t matter who you were. He respected everybody.”

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