Among those waiting to greet Curlin as he galloped back triumphantly to the Nad Al Sheba winner’s circle was his nearly white stable pony, Pancho, who had accompanied him in the post parade while steered by exercise rider Carlos Rosas.

For his part, Pancho seems to sense when it is time to start moving in order to meet Curlin following his work, Blasi said, often going on his own initiative at just the right time. Pancho is patient with both humans and horses. Blasi said he can hoist anyone aboard Pancho’s broad back, and has even put all three of Asmussen’s young sons on the pony at one time, with no objection or unruly behavior displayed by the gelding.