A Horse of a Lifetime: Book'em Danno's Eclipse Award-Winning Journey
Imagine the thrill of owning a horse that takes you to the pinnacle of horse racing. For Jay Briscione and his friends, this dream became an extraordinary reality with their very own New Jersey-bred champion, Book'em Danno. But here's where it gets controversial...
In a sport where dreams often remain just that, Book'em Danno defied the odds. Bred by Gregory Kilka and Bright View Farm, this remarkable gelding, out of the Ghostzapper mare Adorabella, left an indelible mark on the racing world in 2025.
Starting his campaign with a win just a whisker away from the track record at Colonial Downs, Book'em Danno's journey was nothing short of magical. He faced tough competition, including Mindframe, Nysos, and Banishing, who would go on to achieve graded triumphs. But it was at Saratoga Race Course where he truly made his mark.
"Where does everybody want to win? Saratoga," trainer Derek Ryan said, highlighting the significance of this iconic track. And for the Atlantic Six team, it was a dream come true, as they had made the pilgrimage to Saratoga for nearly two decades.
"To be there, running on Belmont day and Travers day... he's meant everything to us," Briscione expressed, capturing the emotional depth of their journey.
With a unique opportunity presented by the ongoing construction at Belmont Park, Book'em Danno seized the moment. He dominated the summer, sweeping the True North, Alfred G. Vanderbilt, and Forego stakes at Saratoga, an unprecedented feat.
"He's done something that was never done before," Ryan emphasized.
But this story goes beyond the track. Book'em Danno's success has inspired a generation of horse enthusiasts. Briscione believes it sends a powerful message: "If you love horse racing, get into it. You could have a horse like him."
And this is the part most people miss... Book'em Danno's win in the Forego stakes not only secured his place in history but also surpassed Hall of Famer Open Mind as the all-time leading New Jersey-bred earner.
So, what do you think? Is Book'em Danno's story a testament to the magic of horse racing, or does it highlight the challenges and rewards of breeding and training? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments!
