True
of history in general, the above statement by Moore is also true of Charlotte
Weber, owner of Live Oak Stud located just west of Ocala, Florida.
Operating
the 4,500-acre Thoroughbred farm and commercial cattle operation, Weber has solely
guided the fortunes of this magnificent breeding and racing operation since
1995. In these past four decades, Live Oak Plantation’s distinctive black, red
and white silks have become a nationally recognized racing symbol.
Through
racing efforts at major tracks across North America, Live Oak has built a
sterling record spanning the recent accomplishments of Miesque’s Approval,
winner of the $2-million Breeders’ Cup Mile at Churchill Downs and 2006 Eclipse
Award champion turf male, to other top horses including; Revved Up, My Typhoon,
Hesanoldsalt, and half-brothers; Solar Splendor and Sultry Song.
The
half-brothers Solar Splendor and Sultry Song notably won grade-one races on the
same day in 1992 at New York’s Belmont Park.
“I
remember the day was Sept. 19 because that’s the same day my daughter got
married,” Weber recalled. It was one of the few times Weber could not be in
attendance to see her horses run a big race.
The
Live Oak “brother act” was repeated in 2006 with Nine-year-old Revved Up and
his half brother Miesque’s Approval winning stakes on the same day. On Sept. 9,
2006, eight-year-old Miesque’s Approval brought home the grade-three Red Bank
Stakes en route to the Breeders’ Cup, while nine-year-old Revved Up won the Bob
Harding Stakes, both races at Monmouth
Park. Revved Up’s sire is
Sultry Song.
Success
at the racetrack is simply a reflection of Weber’s approach to Live Oak’s
successful breeding program.
“You
try to breed the best to the best,” Weber explains. “If you are fortunate as I
am, and you are able to race the horses you breed and give them the time
necessary, they will return the investment. I do not want the instant profit or
quick returns generated by running horses before they are ready.
“For
example, in 2006 Revved Up was eight-years-old and going strong. Miesque’s
Approval was a seven-year-old when he won the Breeders’ Cup Mile.
“I
run it as a business,” Weber explained, referring to the thoroughbred and
cattle operations active upon the beautiful expanse of oak covered land that
comprises Live Oak. “It is one of my highest priorities to always be a good
steward of the land.”
The Florida
environment
From
the time significant thoroughbred breeders found their way to Ocala
in the 1950s and 60s, the Florida
climate has become a siren song for horsemen and young thoroughbred horses on
their way to racing greatness. Today, a comfortable majority of the top racing
prospects in the nation pass through Ocala
to train in its excellent environment.
The
quality Live Oak environment and the excellent climate of Florida contribute greatly to the production
of world class thoroughbreds. Beneath the spreading canopy of live oak trees,
horses benefit from the lush green, nutrient-rich grass covering the gently
rolling hills of Live Oak Stud. Romping in the golden Florida sunshine from the day they are born,
Live Oak horses grow the strong bones and muscle of thoroughbred racehorses.
“Florida has the absolute
advantage of its climate,” Weber said emphatically. “There is no doubt in my
mind.”
It
is said that the same limestone foundation that underlies Kentucky
extends to Florida and underlies the rolling
hills of Marion County. In this environment, young foals
begin the work of becoming athletes almost immediately upon birth, as they are
out and running across spacious, grassy paddocks from the day of their birth.
Whereas, horses stabled in harsher climates may be confined to barns for weeks
or months at a time to escape freezing elements.
Florida is also noted
for its clear, cool spring water which streams out of the aquifers.
A Commercial Training operation
“Live
Oak Stud is a public, commercial training operation,” Weber stated. “We are open to the
public; we do take clients.”
Client
horses receive the same care and attention that has brought grade-one success
to Live Oak horses.