A lot of people know the Big Dog Daddy, Toby Keith, as a late, great country music icon, an unapologetic patriot, an Oklahoma sports fanatic, but many probably don’t know that he had a profound passion for horse racing that paralleled his illustrious music career.
His involvement in the sport was both extensive and heartfelt, encompassing roles as an owner, breeder, and active participant in the racing community.
Keith established Dream Walkin’ Farms, a 300-acre Thoroughbred breeding and racing operation based in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma, in 2001. Over more than two decades, the farm achieved significant success, amassing 848 victories and over $18 million in earnings from 6,587 starts. Keith was deeply involved in the operations, often attending sales like those at Keeneland, and actively participating in breeding decisions.
In 2021, Keith partnered with fellow Oklahoma native Danny Caldwell to form Country Bro Stables. Their collaboration yielded 39 victories from 264 starts, with nearly $1 million in purse earnings. Toby served as a Breeders’ Cup ambassador, and his contributions were also recognized by institutions like Remington Park and Keeneland, which honored his memory and impact on the sport.
He once said, “The horse racing business has always thrilled me that much,” and well, he’s gonna be really thrilled from up above during the upcoming Kentucky Derby.
His horse Render Judgment will run in the Kentucky Derby, the first of Toby Keith’s career.
“It was Toby’s dream….Render Judgment is going to the Kentucky Derby. He worked so hard to finally have one there! Toby will have the best seat in the house to watch.”
With 30-1 odds, Render Judgment is one of the 20 horses expected to run in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, which will be held on May 3rd at the iconic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The 3-year-old Thoroughbred colt has gained a lot of attention on the 2025 Road to the Kentucky Derby this year, currently sitting at 18th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard. Bred in Kentucky by Green Lantern Stables, he is owned by a partnership that includes Baccari Racing Stable LLC, MJM Racing, Rocket Ship Racing, and Dream Walkin’ Farms.
Trainer Kenny McPeek is 1 for 10 at the Kentucky Derby, but he recently won with relative long shot, Mystik Dan, last year. Jockey Julien Leparoux will ride Render Judgment for the first time. However, in 14 tries, Leparoux’s best Derby finish was fourth, with Classic Empire in 2017.
McPeek called him a longshot, noting that he doesn’t quite have the experience or the speed on paper to win, but also confessed that he knows how special this is for Toby Keith’s family.
“It’s going to be deep water for him, but we’re going to take over a horse that’s very healthy. I understand the dream … and it’s Toby Keith’s family, and Toby passed away this past year, and I think there’s some sentiment there.”
I don’t care… I’m putting it all on Render Judgment (this is not gambling advice).
Good lookin’ horse, eh?
I love him!!! I got some nice shots of him this morning. pic.twitter.com/neuQmaj16o
— 🇺🇸Scarlett Mayhem🇺🇸 (@ScarlettO66) April 27, 2025