Russell Wilson celebrated his first horse racing win after following in Terry Bradshaw’s footsteps, with the Super Bowl winner enjoying a memorable day at the track
Russell Wilson
Russell Wilson is following in the footsteps of NFL legend Terry Bradshaw(Image: Getty)
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Russell Wilson has claimed his first horse racing victory after following in the footsteps of NFL legend Terry Bradshaw.
Club Reign made an impressive winning debut on the horse racing circuit, storming to a six-length victory at Saratoga on Travers Day under jockey Edgard Zayas. The two-year-old was the first-ever starter for Three Brand Racing, the new racing venture launched by the recently-retired Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
Wilson was on hand to celebrate the victory alongside his wife, music star Ciara, and their three children, with the family joining the connections in the winner’s circle. "Man, what an exciting day," Wilson said. "We're so excited for Three Brand Racing and, obviously, Club Reign.
"What a blessing. We were so fired up about this horse. We felt like we had a tremendous athlete in this horse. (He's) our first one for me and Ciara and our team, our Three Brand Racing team, and to come out here and to win in Saratoga - and he won by a lot. He's a fast horse."
Three Brand Racing takes its name from 3BRAND, Wilson’s apparel company, with the former quarterback saying he has “always loved horses.” He was inspired to become involved in racing by his brother, Harry Wilson, who lives in Louisville, Kentucky, while his eldest daughter, Sienna, is also an avid horseback rider. Club Reign is trained by Whit Beckman, who also has Ocelli entered in the Travers Stakes.
Wilson retired from the NFL this offseason after a 14-year career, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and leading the Seattle Seahawks to their first Super Bowl title with a victory over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.
After also playing for the Broncos, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants, Wilson moved into a studio analyst role with CBS Sports. Now, he is enjoying the thrill of victory in a very different sport.
"Obviously,there's nothing like holding that Lombardi Trophy in front of hundreds and hundreds of millions of people" said. "To win on Travers Day, to win in Saratoga first race out, it feels like (winning) rookie of the year."
Wilson is following in the footsteps of fellow NFL legend Bradshaw, who has a long history in horse racing as both a Quarter Horse breeder and Thoroughbred owner.
Bradshaw is a co-owner of unbeaten two-year-old filly Taken by the Wind alongside Magdalena Racing and other partners. Trained by Ken McPeek, the filly recently won the Grade 3 Pocahontas Stakes at Churchill Downs.
The Hall of Fame quarterback has enjoyed success in racing before, having previously partnered with Twin Creek Racing Stable. Bradshaw co-owned Mission Impazible, who competed in the 2010 Kentucky Derby, as well as Grade 2 winner Graydar.