Here at West Point Thoroughbreds we love introducing newcomers to the sport. There’s something incredibly satisfying about connecting people from all walks of life through the common bond of the racing world. Misty Gonzales and Tom Wilson are no exception.
The up-and-coming rock star (on twitter @mistyfreechild) and her partner launched her first album, Rock and Roll Freedom Show, last summer – around when they bought into Freedom Child, a 2-year-old son of Malibu Moon. In addition to performing and running a stage show where a cirque de sole type of performance goes along with Gonzales’ music, the two found themselves spending more time at the racetrack.
Here at West Point Thoroughbreds we love introducing newcomers to the sport. There’s something incredibly satisfying about connecting people from all walks of life through the common bond of the racing world. Misty Gonzales and Tom Wilson are no exception.
The up-and-coming rock star (on twitter @mistyfreechild) and her partner launched her first album, Rock and Roll Freedom Show, last summer – around when they bought into Freedom Child, a 2-year-old son of Malibu Moon. In addition to performing and running a stage show where a cirque de sole type of performance goes along with Gonzales’ music, the two found themselves spending more time at the racetrack.
Click here to visit the group's website.
“Last year we basically decided to go to the Kentucky Derby,” Gonzales said of their beginnings in racing. “Since we’re based in Los Angeles, we’d been to Santa Anita before, but the interest really took off when we got invited to the backside on Derby morning. We loved the atmosphere, just fell in love with the whole thing. We had our first winner with West Point, Lady Fairbanks, on March 4th. That was a great thrill.”
The duo came to Saratoga last summer and enjoyed the races and the sales, soon embracing the WPT lifestyle and buying into several horses.
“We didn’t know anything about getting involved in Thoroughbreds,” said Wilson. “It wasn’t until we got to Saratoga where we met the Finleys that we really felt comfortable with the family and the organization. They’re very honest and up-front about, ‘Hey, this isn’t a sure thing, this is a risk, but we’re all in it together.’ We’re a good match right now.”
In addition to work with their independent label, Freedom Child Entertainment (they’re also owners of several broadcasting properties, including WLFM 87.7 Chicago), Gonzales and Wilson are involved with charity work through Bethany Baptist Christian School in Haiti, where 320 children participate in kindergarten through 10th grade.
“A pipe with cold water is a luxury over there,” Wilson remarked. “When we got involved these kids didn’t have breakfast. We helped add that. Since we got involved we started a music program, and now we’re creating a rec center for them – a whole gym with soccer, basketball hoops, badminton sets – and we’re supporting the school to hire a PE teacher. It’s an organization that is close to our hearts.”
“Overall, the message of the album and what Freedom Child Entertainment means is definitely reaching out toward your dreams and goals and helping people along the way,” Gonzalez chimed in. “We think Freedom Child the horse will be good synergy for West Point and our label.”
A third partner in the Freedom Child ownership group is Terry Mahaney, Gonzales’ aunt, who was a champion barrel racer in Colorado and always had horses.
“Her father was a bull rider and a really good friend of (Hall of Fame jockey) Pat Day,” the rock singer said. “I always grew up with a love of horses; I think they’re such beautiful animals.”
Gonzales, Wilson, and Mahaney are among WPT Partners who will visit Kirkwood Stable in Camden, S.C. in April to see their colt in training.
“We’re really thrilled about him and the overall experience with West Point has been great,” Gonzales said. “It’s a great environment; they’re so warm and welcoming when we come into town to see the horses. It’s been a really fun way to experience racing for the first time.”
Freedom Child at the 2011 Saratoga Yearling Sale:
Official "Freedom Child" Music Video:
