by Kimberly French, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Kimberly French

Louisville, KY — She thought she dodged a bullet when Bluehourpower was still full of himself following his second consecutive triumph of the New Year. But she was dead wrong as everyone watching the simulcast show from Pompano Park earlier this week witnessed Jamie Rucker-Macomber receiving what only can be referred to as a giant head butt from the one of the hottest horses in harness racing.

“I was really hoping no one saw that,” she said. “But when I went up to hold him, he got me. It wasn’t at all mean spirited. He just loves to toss his head around, whether it’s in his stall, on the track or in the winner’s circle. I started receiving calls about it right away. Of course I wasn’t able to get away with no one knowing.”

Bluehourpower, a son of Sand Shooter and the Jate Lobell mare Blue Hour, will seek to remain undefeated in 2016 when he takes on six rivals in the $12,500 Open Handicap over the Florida oval on Sunday (Jan. 17). He will be steered by Rucker-Macomber’s husband Ricky from post position seven in the evening’s third race. The gelding is 3-1 on the morning line and will face the likes of Kentucky Sire Stakes champion Bandolito (9-2) and Canadian champion Arthur Blue Chip (7-2).

Owned by Wilbur Eash and bred by Tom Crouch, Bluehourpower recently turned five. The multiple Indiana Sire Stakes champion has amassed $523,131 over a 70 race career. His record is a sparkling 21-10-14 and he established his lifetime mark of 1:50.2 last year.

Skip Smith photo

Bluehourpower has banked $523,131 over his career and has won 21 times in 70 lifetime starts.

Since arriving in Rucker-Macomber’s barn in November, the gelding has won four of his five trips over the Pompano surface and the only time he has not had his picture taken he was a close second.

Eash is absolutely thrilled with how the horse bounced back from what was a subpar year for him in 2015. From 37 starts Bluehourpower had eight wins, six seconds and eight thirds. He banked just over $88,000.

“We sent Blue out east to race at Dover last winter,” he said. “When he came home I noticed right away when I drove him he was very aggressive and grabby. We made some equipment changes with him and were kind of tinkering with him for most of the summer. He finally started coming back around and I give all the credit to Jamie and Ricky for the job they have done and are doing with him. It’s fantastic to see him back to his old self.”

Bluehourpower is a barn favorite and holds a special place in Eash’s heart. He knew the gelding had ability as a 2-year-old and the horse has never done a thing to ever disappoint him. In fact, he immediately bred Blue Hour back to Sand Shooter because of how wonderful Bluehourpower looked as a foal. The result was a filly, Sandysgoldenhour, that has not been quite as prolific as her older brother, but is a very nice horse in her own right. The 4-year-old has earned just over $90,000 during her career and is also a member of the Rucker-Macomber stable.

“We have her too,” Rucker-Macomber said. “She raced well last week and we are looking forward to how she performs for the rest of the winter. Both of these horses are very nice and we are just so happy to have them.

“I noticed Blue when he was a 2-year-old because not only did he race well, but he just has a presence about him. He definitely soaks up attention and deserves every pat on the head and carrot that we give him.”

Eash is very effusive about how the Macombers have been such a godsend for his horses, but Rucker-Macomber claims it’s really about the horses.

“We appreciate all the kind words from Wilbur,” Rucker-Macomber said. “But really all we do with our horses is love them and of course we have our own feeding program. We have done nothing different with Blue and it’s a pleasure to have this horse in our care.

“Also, Wilbur and Ricky have had a very close relationship for a number of years so it’s terrific to be able to have the horses doing so well. It makes it special to have that happen when Ricky and Wilbur have that bond between them.

“Ricky loves driving this horse. Actually, if you talked to him he would tell you this one is one of his favorites, if not the favorite horse he gets to drive. He’s spent a lot of time behind him over the years and was one of the first people to drive him as a 2-year-old.”

Bluehourpower will remain in Florida with the Macombers throughout the winter and then return home to Hoosier Park. It is uncertain exactly what this year holds for him, but all his connections are simply enjoying what he has accomplished, how sharp he is now and are excited to see what the future holds.

“I have a lot of babies I need to work with so I’m unable to get down there to see him as much as I would like,” Eash said. “But I do plan on going to watch him race shortly. Because Jamie and Ricky have done such a tremendous job I would like them to keep him, but I know it’s hard for them to commit for a long period of time. I know Ricky has other horses to drive and Jamie will have others to take care of. I’m just so very thankful for all they have already done, because Blue is who he is.

“This horse means so very much to me and always has since he came into this world. No matter what he does I just feel fortunate to have Ricky and Jamie associated with him and lucky to have one like him. They don’t come along very often.”