Michele Arthur and Ruben Islas’s unlikely journey into horse racing began eight years ago with a $500 charity auction bid for a behind-the-scenes tour of Santa Anita and Del Mar, which led to their first horse purchase and a growing passion for the sport. Over time, they became “horse parents,” achieving notable success with Queen Maxima, a filly earning over $630,000, and now eyeing the Kentucky Derby with their promising colt, Intrepido. Despite setbacks, including a fifth-place finish at the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, Intrepido’s recent Grade 1 win at Santa Anita has fueled their hopes, with a strong performance at the upcoming Santa Anita Derby crucial for Derby qualification.
Arthur and Islas, both San Diego natives with diverse professional backgrounds, have embraced the unpredictability of horse racing, finding excitement in the journey despite the nerves. Their story highlights how a chance auction bid evolved into a serious racing endeavor, with the Santa Anita Derby serving as a pivotal moment for their Derby dreams. Alongside Intrepido’s bid, their filly Queen Maxima is favored in the Monrovia Stakes, underscoring their growing presence in the sport and their aspirations for continued success.
