Chuck Sandford bought a horse because his wife Maribeth told him he needed a hobby. That was June 2009. Not even three years later, and he has a star horse, champion jockey and highly respected trainer all headed for the Kentucky Derby - the most prestigious horse race in the country.
Take Charge Indy is generally viewed to be one of the top 10 horses in the field, especially considering he is coming off an impressive win at the Florida Derby in March.
The Sandfords are longtime McHenry County residents, giving local horseracing enthusiasts a chance to hope another Chicago-area horseowner claims victory since Street Sense won for Barrington's Jim Tafel in 2007.
You can read the full story in the Daily Herald's edition from Sunday, April 29, 2012, or online at dailyherald.com.
