Resolute Racing marked a significant milestone by entering a claiming race for the first time at Churchill Downs on November 12, with Awesome Hawaiian, a horse they rescued from a feedlot where he was abandoned as a yearling. Despite his rough start—being sold for just $1,000 and left unwanted—Awesome Hawaiian showed remarkable resilience and talent, winning the race decisively under jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. The horse’s journey from near neglect to victory highlighted Resolute’s commitment to giving overlooked horses a second chance, with the team celebrating his success as a testament to their rescue efforts.

Although Awesome Hawaiian was claimed by another owner after the race, Resolute Racing intends to track down the new owners and attempt to buy him back, underscoring their dedication to the horse’s future. The story not only celebrates Awesome Hawaiian’s triumph but also shines a light on the broader mission of rescuing and rehabilitating horses that might otherwise be discarded, proving that with care and opportunity, these animals can thrive on the racetrack.