"Cardemus"
In 1998 Mike watched 50 Hennessy yearlings sell in Kentucky, a group which he was impressed with at the time. Shortly thereafter he happened to cross the Atlantic and attend the Tattersall's Yearling Sale in Newmarket, and begin a bidding duel with another Lexingtonian over a Hennessy colt which he described as an "exceptional physical specimen."
The attractively marked copper chestnut, named 'Cardemus' by one of his Dapple owners, trained beautifully, but after a few races it became obvious that he did not enjoy the action. He earned a few wins, the most spectacular of which delivered a fabulous photo at the wire winning by a few lengths in claiming company at Turfway Park under the bright evening racecard lights in which he appeared to glow.
Shortly thereafter, Mike knew the right thing to do was retire the colt from racing, and help him land another career opportunity. Cardemus was shipped to a generous and quiet pasture at the Wofford family's farm, where he quickly became a pet. Amazingly his temperment was instantly gentle and genuinely interested. We all hated to see him go but the Southworth family of Austin, Texas were friends of Dapple owners and in the market for a handsome show horse for their family. Mrs. Southworth was in the process of building a large new barn with adjoining pastures for horses she hoped to acquire, and it was obvious she and her young daughters would devote their attention to well being of animals living on their farm.
Cardemus shipped to Austin as soon as the barn was ready, and was greeted by a family who expected very little from him but to make friends and eventually some riding lessons.
 It turns out that jumping fences with little girls up is exactly what Cardemus is interested in. He and Sarah Southworth have together developed into a fast team who consistently earns blue ribbons at the show circuit in her region. Their success naturally brings attractive offers to purchase Cardemus, to which the Southworth family assures me they will always decline, as Cardemus is family and not for sale.
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