Jenny Craig talks to Equine VIP

As seen in Horse Digest

Jenny Craig’s name is synonymous with healthy eating, weight loss and a few celebrities who have committed to self image changes associated to losing weight. Jenny’s career and success have always been a family affair. Determined to lose the extra pounds she gained during a pregnancy, Jenny made it her personal and professional pursuit to pay a major role in expanding the weight loss industry. Jenny and her husband, Sid, founded Jenny Craig International and quickly opened over 600 centers all over the world.

Another family tradition for Jenny was her interest in horse racing. Jenny grew up in New Orleans and each Thanksgiving her family’s yearly custom was to attend the opening day races. When Jenny started dating her soon-to-be husband Sid he already owned 2 race horses and Jenny would love to watch them run. Right “out of the gate” they both found an interest they could pursue together and were inspired to get more involved. Around the same time, Jenny’s brother had always vowed to her he would one day become a horse trainer, he was so passionate about his dream, he convinced Jenny and Sid to buy “JJ’s Star”. Although the horse bowed a tendon and his racing career was cut short, the Craig’s had caught the horse racing “bug”. They acquired “Paseana”, a champion mare, in 1992 who is in the Hall of Fame and “Dr. Devious” (a birthday gift from Jenny to Sid) won the impressive Epsom Derby. Sid remarked “Nothing will beat this dream.” Jenny laughs as she tells us they thought they were “off to the races” with easy wins! Sadly Sid passed away just before their horse “Chocolate Candy” ran in the most prestigious event in thoroughbred horse racing – the Kentucky Derby. Sid’s dying wish and ultimate dream was to win the “Derby” so Jenny continues on with their shared passion. Jenny now finds time as an active participant in the promotion of women in business and organizations for the betterment of women in the work place. Jenny would also like to see more young people get involved in the sport of horse racing. She says “Perhaps someone will invent a creative way so more people can experience the enjoyment, excitement and the thrills that horse racing has brought me.”

1 – HOW DO YOU SELECT THE HORSES YOU BUY?

There is no specific formula, in fact, many of the horses we bought early on were gifts to each other. However, we did rely on the opinion and experience of our professional trainers.

2. YOU’VE ALSO GOTTEN INTO BREEDING YOUR OWN HORSES?

When I purchased “Dr. Devious” for Sid, another h o r s e “Crownette” came along with that deal. We liked the idea of breeding our own horses and always tried to select the best stallions for our mares such as Storm Cat, Deputy Minister, Theatrical and now Candy Ride, Benchmark and Tribal Rule. We paired Crownette with Candy Ride and got our beautiful colt Chocolate Candy who took us to the Kentucky Derby and Belmont this year.

3 – HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE NAME CHOCOLATE CANDY?

His father is “Candy Ride” and he looks as smooth and sweet as chocolate.

4 – WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO HAVE A HORSE ENTERED IN THE KENTUCKY DERBY AND THE BELMONT?

Watching Chocolate Candy run in both of these races was thrilling to me, even though he didn’t win. Both races are “events” and just having a horse run in either is a thrill in and of itself. Also race day for the Kentucky Derby and Belmont are so different than other race days. Racing is so unpredictable in terms of owning and racing, as well as, the outcome!

5 – DO YOU EVER OFFER ADVICE TO TRAINERS OR JOCKEYS?

I rarely offer advice on which jockey to use for a race. I like to allow them to do what is right for the horse. However, if I feel the jockey is unlucky for us or I don’t like how he/she handles our horse, I will certainly express my opinion to our trainer.

6 – DO YOU HAVE A ROUTINE ON RACE DAY YOU FOLLOW?

I don’t have a set schedule on racing days. I’ve been traveling quite a bit since Sid died which has helped me a lot in dealing with his death. It all depends on where I am in the world and where the horses are running.

7 – WHAT OTHER HORSES DO YOU OWN WE SHOULD BE WATCHING NOW?

We have a few other two years olds that are exciting “Halloween Candy” and “Ivory Fudge”.

8 – WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU OFFER TO OTHER HORSE OWNERS IN OTHER RIDING DISCIPLINES?

I have a positive attitude and remain optimistic even when some of my horses have performed poorly in the beginning of their careers. I believe one has to be able to accept defeat gracefully in any sport or one doesn’t belong in it. We all know it doesn’t take practice to accept winning. It’s in NOT winning that true character comes out.

9 – DO YOU EVER GET EMOTIONAL ABOUT ANY OF YOUR HORSES?

I always get emotional about the safety of our horses. It’s like watching your children prepare and perform a sport. I get nervous and my heart beats faster each time one enters the starting gate but win, lose or draw I pray that come out of the race healthy.

10 – DO YOU STILL RIDE HORSES FOR PLEASURE?

I used to ride for pleasure but I haven’t had the time. Our barn manager, Teddy Aroney and his wife Leslie, gave me a riding horse and a saddle for my birthday last August so maybe I’ll find some time now. Susan Ashbrook was born in the mid west but longed at an early age to be like her grandmother Pearl. Pearl rode horses and built many successful businesses, and she was an independent woman when it wasn’t a popular pursuit.

Susan used her creativity and business acumen to found Film Fashion www.filmfashion.com a premier agency matching A list celebrities with exclusive fashion designers such as Chopard, Escada, Ralph Lauren, Lanvin, Harry Winston and Swarovski. Film Fashion is a product placement firm built on Susan’s relationship with over 5000 celebrities and was acquired by PR Powerhouse Rogers & Cowan. Susan’s passion for horses launched her second career producing equine content for the internet and broadcast channel. Ashbrook feels the equestrian world has stories to tell about riders, events, products, special horses and all things equestrian.

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