Godolphin’s champion Modern Games (IRE) will make his 2023 debut here Friday in the $600,000 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) and – has been the case since 2021 – wherever he goes so goes Lorna Ford. 

Ford is the regular exercise rider for Modern Games, a duty she describes as “an absolute pleasure.” 

“I have been with him all along, starting when he was a 2-year-old before he raced,” said Ford, who has worked for trainer Charlie Appleby for seven years and prior to that with Sir Michael Stoute. “Horses like this don’t come along very often.” 

An earner of more than $3 million and a two-time Breeders’ Cup winner, Modern Games quickly made a fan out of Ford. 

“It was his attitude; he took things in stride,” Ford said. “I didn’t know he’d become what he has, but he progressed rapidly.” 

Ironically, for all his success, it was a defeat that Ford considers as the best race Modern Games has run. 

“I think his best race was when he was second last year to Baaeed at Goodwood (in England) in the (Qatar) Sussex (G1). Baaeed was the best horse in the world,” Ford said. 

Her favorite victory for Modern Games in North America came in the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) at Del Mar. 

“I had never been to a Breeders’ Cup and then to win,” Ford said. “It was absolutely amazing.” 

After the 2022 Sussex, the well-traveled Modern Games won the Ricoh Woodbine Mile (G1) in September; returned to England and finished second in the Queen Elizabeth II (G1) at Ascot; and came to Keeneland, where he won the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) Presented by PDJF by three-quarters of a length over 2022 Maker’s Mark Mile winner Shirl’s Speight. Modern Games earned the Eclipse Award as North America’s champion male turf horse.

Appleby is scheduled to arrive in Lexington Thursday and be here for the Maker’s Mark Mile. 

Regular rider William Buick will be aboard Modern Games, the 3-5 favorite in the morning line. They will start from post seven in the field of eight.