by Mark Ratzky, publicity, Cal-Expo

Sacramento, CA — Saturday night (Dec. 3) at Cal Expo will find the first leg of the Courageous Red series, named for one of the most popular pacers to compete in California over the last 30 years. Trained by Roger Stein and driven by Rick Kuebler, he was a model of consistency who amazed on a regular basis back in the Hollywood Park days.

Kuebler, who retired with 4,284 trips to the charmed enclosure and more than $19 million in earnings, related that some of his best memories came when he was guiding Courageous Red for Stein and owner Adolph (Otto) Scangarello.

“There was something to that name,” he explained. “Red was perhaps the most courageous horse I ever drove. He broke both knees as a 2-year-old and his racing future was in doubt, but he came back the next year and won the $100,000 L.K. Shapiro.

“From that point on he dominated all comers and for five years he won 50 percent of his races. He was simply the best horse in California and was King of the Cal-breds. He had brilliant step and was a dream to drive, giving me some of my greatest memories.”

Back at a time when a sub-2:00 tour was known as a “Magic Mile,” Courageous Red had 26 in one season, breaking the record of the mighty Niatross. It took the sensational Cam Fella to ultimately take that mark away from him.

The man behind Courageous Red was Roger Stein, and Kuebler has nothing but praise for the job he did with this pacer.

“Red had only won one race before Roger took him over in his 3-year-old year,” Rick explained. “His first start for Roger was an omen of things to come, as he finished a fast-closing second in a Cal Sires Stake to Full Pocket, who was undefeated at the time.

“Otto wanted to sell him and I told Roger I’d buy half with him, but Roger told Otto he truly felt he would be making a big mistake in selling him to us. Otto took Roger at his word and the rest is history. I don’t believe any trainer in the country could have handled, prepared and loved a horse any more than Roger did for Courageous Red.”

Live racing resumes at Cal Expo on Thursday (Dec. 2) and continues through Saturday (Dec. 4). Post time on Thursday is at 5 p.m. (PST). Post time on Friday (Dec. 3) is at 5:45 p.m. Post time on Saturday is 5:35 p.m.