Horse trainer with local ties prepares for Kentucky Derby

Grew up in Wayne County

(LOUISVILLE) – Looking for a horse to root for during this weekend’s Kentucky Derby? There is a close connection to Southeast Indiana. 

Ethan West is a horse trainer who grew up in Cambridge City and now resides in northern Kentucky. 

His horse, Chunk of Gold, had two second-place finishes in Louisiana, which earned the $2,500 yearling a spot at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

West has found himself in the spotlight leading up to the race. He’s been featured in multiple national articles and even had a camera crew follow him to his son’s youth basketball game on Sunday. 

Despite the media attention, the 32-year-old said he is keeping Chunk of Gold’s schedule the same as usual this week. 

The colt and trainer will have one more session at Turfway Park in Florence on Friday before heading to Louisville.

“This being my first starter in the Kentucky Derby, I read a lot of interviews from people like Wayne Lukas and Bob Baffert, who have had success in the Derby," West told the Paulick Report. 

The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby will take place at 6:57 p.m. on Saturday.