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By Emily Shields
John and Allegra Ernst, owner/breeders of California-bred stakes winner Tap the Wire, tell the story of their introduction to horse racing with palpable enthusiasm.
“We live only 10 minutes from Del Mar, and we had always loved animals and sports,” John began.
“We started going over there in the morning to see the horses work,” Allegra continued. “It’s the best show in town.”
From there the Ernsts met outrider Tom Ellis and peppered him with questions for several seasons. One rare time, Ellis didn’t know the answer and enlisted the help of trainer Dan Hendricks. By the end of the day, Hendricks had given the Ernsts a tour of his barn, answered more questions, and planted the first seeds that later led them to become owners.
“We were saving money for a second house,” Allegra said, “but we never found that house. A year later we returned to Del Mar and there’s Tom and Dan out in the morning. Next thing you know John and I were getting our credentials and putting in money for a claim.”
The first horse they claimed, Stormy Spirit, was a $20,000 pickup on July 31, 2002. The Ernsts were officially racehorse owners after years of watching from the sidelines. Stormy Spirit ran third twice at the meet, earning $7,200, before being claimed away for the same $20,000 tag.
“We were crushed,” John said. “We got so attached to her and went to give her carrots every day.”