Blane Servis, assistant to trainer Brad Cox, allowed America's Best Racing inside his journey on the path to recovery and behind the scenes with Final Gambit before and during the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Servis confronted alcoholism and drug addiction via the Stable Recovery program after connecting with fellow graduate Will Walden, and Servis credited the program with providing a pathway to a successful life and sobriety.
READ: Frank Taylor, Stable Recovery Receive Eclipse Award
BloodHorse's Eric Mitchell profiled the recovery operation in April 2022 in BloodHorse magazine.
Blane and his brother, Tyler, also a trainer, are sons of longtime Pennsylvania trainer John Servis, who won the 2004 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes (G1) with Smarty Jones. The Servis brothers reminisced about winning the Run for the Roses 21 years ago and watched this year's edition together.
Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) winner Final Gambit overcame a troubled start and a very wide trip to rally from last of 19 for fourth place in the Kentucky Derby, a fulfilling outcome for Servis and a promising result for a lightly raced colt with a bright future.
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