Frail girl meets trainer before Ky. Derby win
May 10, 2012LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - There will be a reunion at the Preakness this month for a frail girl and a trainer who met just before the trainer's horse gained fame as winner of this year's Kentucky Derby
Doug O'Neill and Hope Hudson met at Churchill Downs in the days leading up to the Derby.
O'Neill was prepping the colt I'll Have Another for the race. Hope, a 12-year-old from Missouri who is battling a rare disease, was getting her first up-close look at the sleek thoroughbreds she loves, thanks to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
Three days later, Hope and her family were part of the victory celebration when I'll Have Another won the Run for the Roses.
Now the family has accepted an invitation from O'Neill's team to attend the Preakness race in Baltimore.