Standardbred Stories: Pete’s Dream
via Hoof Beats
Pete’s Dream is a special horse to Channell Landrum. So special, in fact, that Landrum recently self-published a children’s’ book, “The Story Of Pete’s Dream: A Standardbred Racehorse”
Born in 1996, the 20-year old pacing mare Pete’s Dream was named after Landrum’s father-in-law, Floyd “Pete” Landrum, who owned Pete’s Dream’s mother, Nero’s Parfait, before selling Nero’s Parfait to his son. Landrum knew nothing about horses prior to the sale, but learned quickly alongside her husband, Dennis, who had grown up around horses.
Landrum said she always enjoyed writing. She wrote the story a few years back and sent it to publishers, but she self-published the book last spring.
Landrum said she knew Pete’s Dream was fast when she raced at Colonial Downs in October 2000, against horses that were above her class. Pete’s Dream came in only two lengths ahead of another horse, Cappuccino.
“It was really exciting to see all nine horses all across the line,” Landrum said. “It was exciting for me because I hadn’t been in the business that long.”
And she was fast. Pete’s Dream began racing in 1998 and didn’t stop until 2005, raking in total earnings of $96,617. She made her lifetime mark of 1:54.1 at Rosecroft Raceway Sept. 27, 2002, with Roger Plante, Jr. driving.
But finally, in 2005, Landrum said she knew Pete’s Dream had raced her last race at Lebanon Raceway. Pete’s Dream didn’t race well, Landrum said, placing 7th by seven lengths. Landrum gave her a bath, put coolers on her, and walked her a bit. Landrum left to put away a harness, and when she came back to the stall, Pete’s Dream was lying in the straw.
“At that point I told my husband she’s all done, because I guess it was just a sign to say she was all done and didn’t want to race anymore,” Landrum said.
Now, Pete’s Dream stays in the field at a farm in Beaver, Ohio, close to the Landrums. She bore three fillies, Pete’s Attitude, 6, Petes Got A Gun, 5, Petesgirlhasclass, 4, who the Landrums raced for a while and then sold to a friend, April Roach, at the end of October.
As for what the horse does all day, Landrum said she doesn’t do a lot. She mostly hangs out in the field.
Landrum said her favorite food is carrots.
“She didn’t start eating carrots until she was 5, then it dawned on her that they were good,” Landrum said.
But most of all, she’s a great horse, Landrum said.
“Most horses you tell kids you can’t go near them,” Landrum said. “If there was a little one around the kids could get real close, go under her.”