On May 2, 2026, at the Kentucky Derby, Mark Glatt rides the emotional wave of triumph and grief. Just months after losing his wife, Dena, to sudden heart failure at 57, he finds himself on the biggest stage of horse racing with his horse, So Happy. This isn’t just another race; it’s a poignant moment that intertwines personal loss with professional achievement.
Mark’s journey to this moment has been anything but straightforward. He’s trained thoroughbreds for over three decades but never had a horse reach the Triple Crown trail until now. So Happy earned his place in the Derby by winning the Santa Anita Derby, turning heads from a long shot of 38-1 to co-favorite with odds of 5-1.
Dena and Mark shared 25 years of marriage and three children together. Her sudden passing left a void that words can’t capture. As he prepares for the race, Mark wears a bracelet containing some of her ashes — a quiet reminder that she’s still part of every stride he takes.
“I think she’d be very proud of an accomplishment like this,” he reflects. “We’re still together, you know, even if it’s just in spirit.”
The day unfolds with anticipation. Jockey Mike Smith, aiming for his third Kentucky Derby victory, mounts So Happy — who seems to have an uncanny ability to rise to the occasion. “He just seems to do what he has to do,” says Smith, speaking about the horse’s remarkable adaptability.
So Happy’s lineage is notable; he’s sired by Runhappy, who struggled as a stallion but produced this promising contender. Mark bought So Happy for $150,000 after he initially sold as a yearling for $20,000 — a gamble that now seems worth every penny.
The atmosphere at Churchill Downs buzzes with excitement and emotion as spectators gather. For many, it’s just another day at the races; for Mark Glatt, it’s a bittersweet chapter in a story still unfolding.
“It’s special,” he says about participating in the Derby under such circumstances. “Given what myself and my family have gone through over the last few months makes it different — maybe not as enjoyable.”
As they prepare to line up at the gate, Mark takes one last look at So Happy. In that moment, it’s clear: win or lose, this race is about more than trophies or accolades; it’s about love, legacy, and finding joy amidst sorrow.