Written by Lou Ann Wilcox

Photography by Coady Photography

Dr. Cynthia Fleck and her husband Randall Barker of Chesterfield were again in the winner’s circle after their horse, Authentic, won the Breeder’s Cup World Championship in early November 2020 at Keeneland Race Course in Lexington, Ky. This win followed Authentic’s first place finish in the 2020 Kentucky Derby in September in Louisville. The Breeder’s Cub, like the Kentucky Derby, was run with no fans although Cynthia and Randall were there as owners and were able to accompany Authentic in the paddock and the Winner’s Circle. 

Trained by the legendary Bob Baffert and ridden by the celebrated jockey, John Velasquez, Authentic also set the Keeneland course record for one and one-fourth miles in 1:59.19, a powerful two and a quarter-length victory in the $6 million race.

With the Breeders’ Cup victory, Authentic earned a $1 million bonus for winning the Kentucky Derby, the Breeder’s Cup and the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park in New Jersey in July. With Authentic’s wins in those three races, the three-year-old divisional title and Horse of the Year honors are a realistic possibility for the bay colt. 

The Breeders' Cup is generally regarded as the end of the North American racing season. After much discussion by Cynthia and Randall, Authentic will retire as a top stallion and stud at Spendthrift Farms in Lexington carrying out his prominent pedigree. Cynthia and Randall are one of four major shareholders of Authentic. “Our boy Authentic” as the couple fondly calls their racehorse is authentic indeed.