Jayson Werth's life took an unexpected turn when his long-shot horse, Dornoch, won the Belmont Stakes. Years earlier, after a setback in his baseball career, Werth found a new passion in horse racing. This article delves into his story and how he believed in both himself and his horse.

From Baseball to the Winner's Circle: Jayson Werth's Horse Racing Triumph

Baseball to Horse Racing

Jayson Werth once a premier baseball prospect, saw his career stunted by a 2005 spring training injury. He struggled and missed the entire 2006 season, becoming an afterthought. Just like Dornoch before the Kentucky Derby, everything seemed promising but then took a different turn.After retiring from 15 seasons in the big leagues and winning a World Series with the Phillies, Werth discovered horse racing. He found it to be the perfect sport for former athletes, giving him the same feelings as being on the baseball field. He bought more horses and traveled across the country, hitting it big with Dornoch last year.

The Belmont Stakes Journey

In 2023, Werth flew to England to visit Chase Utley and discuss his newly purchased horse. They named the horse Dornoch after a famed golf course in Scotland. Dornoch had a rough start at the Kentucky Derby, finishing 10th. But Werth never lost faith.During the Belmont Stakes, Werth was nervous as hell. His horse had the second longest odds, but they believed. And when Dornoch won, Werth's emotions were overwhelming. He was surrounded by his family, relishing the moment.After the Belmont, Dornoch continued to shine, winning the $1 million Haskell in July and finishing fourth in the Travers Stakes in August. It was a remarkable career for a horse that was once forgotten.

Belief and Resilience

Werth's belief in himself and Dornoch is what drove them forward. When baseball seemed to pass him by, he held on. And when everyone else doubted Dornoch, they proved them wrong.From his early days in baseball to his horse racing success, Werth's story is one of belief and resilience. He wants other former ballplayers to learn to love this sport that gives them the feeling of being on the field again.In horse racing, you live and die with your people. Werth experienced this firsthand, sharing the joy and the pain with his family and friends. It's an incredible experience that he wants to share with others.