Kevin Atwood has always liked speed. His boots were in stirrups more often than on the ground while he was growing up in Hopkinsville, Ky., and he carried on that tradition with barrel racing through adulthood.

In 2008, however, Atwood had to admit he needed to slow down. Then 46, he started searching for another outlet in which he could enjoy both horses and speed. Turning to Thoroughbred racing, Atwood contacted his childhood friend, fellow Hopkinsville native trainer Larry Jones. His first horse, named One Pretty Lady, won a couple races and earned more than double her purchase price, and Atwood was hooked.