The Racehorse

Three-year-old colt Dollar Bill has been chronicling—with a little help from his owner, Gary West—his Triple Crown experiences in diary entries on his website (dollarbill.ws). We caught up with the outspoken thoroughbred after he finished fourth in the Preakness for an exclusive interview.

You and jockey Pat Day had another rough ride. Was that why you couldn't catch Point Given?

The trip was a killer. Griffinite took a left-hand turn and caused me to check abruptly at the five-eighths pole. But I could have run two miles, and I wouldn't have caught Point Given. Excuses won't get me in the Hall of Fame.

How does a horse know when it's a big race day?

Fact is, on race day our trainers trick us. It's business as usual for most of the day. Then they rope off the barn and security gets real cranky. That's when I know it's a big day.

What do you think about before a race?

I eyeball the competition. The 99-1 horses have real bad vibes. Knowin' you're gonna get an ass-kickin' ain't a good feeling.

Does it bother you when your jockey goes to the whip?

No. I do love a good whippin'. Some horses do and some don't.

Does a horse know when he wins?