Sale Grad Spotlight: Smart Voodoo Doctor

Smart Voodoo Doctor performed well as both an open and a non pro horse since his trip through the 2015 NRHA/Markel Select Yearling sale pen.

By Kaycie Timm

Smart Voodoo Doctor (Shiners Voodoo Dr x Smart As Sister)

Smart Voodoo Doctor and Jared Leclair. (Photo by Waltenberry)

Sale: 2015 Select Yearling
Consigner: Anne Reynolds (Agent)
Purchaser: Nathan Kent, Kuna, Idaho

When Mark Blake started searching for a new derby horse, he needed to find a consistent partner that could perform well, despite Blake’s limited riding time. Although he didn’t purchase Smart Voodoo Doctor—barn-named “Red”—directly from the sale, he’s reaping the benefits of the gelding’s foundation in the show pen. 

“He’s exactly what we were looking for,” Blake shared. “When we bought him, I knew he had performed well with Jered Leclair, who trained him. He’s small in stature, but he does everything really well.” Red’s experience with Leclair has paid dividends for his new owner, as Blake connects with his mount. “We’re gearing up for next year,” Blake revealed. “I was pretty proud that we were able to get back in the Level 3 finals at the NRHA Derby this year after only a few times riding him.” 

The athletic young horse exemplifies the versatility of NRHA Sale graduates for all competition levels. “He’s very talented,” Blake said. “I’m just really blessed to have a horse like him.”