On June 7 at Churchill Downs, Explora secured the fourth stakes win of her career when the grade 1-placed 3-year-old filly led at every point of call on her way to a clear victory in the $225,000 Leslie's Lady Stakes.
The effort also awarded owners Mike Pegram, Karl Watson, and Paul Weitman another stakes win; adding to their long list over the years. In the June 2026 issue of BloodHorse Magazine, Pegram talked about the keys to their relationship and success.
"Nothing has ever been plotted out; we never sat down and talked about a business plan," Pegram noted. "The point of this partnership was never to spread the risk; it was just the fact that Bobby (trainer Bob Baffert) forgot to buy them a horse, and it evolved from there. The only disagreement we've ever had is who is going to talk on TV and who is going to accept a trophy, because none of us want to do either.
"We've never had a conversation about silks, or about anything else. We've sold horses, we've fielded offers to buy horses, and basically, the minority rules. If everybody doesn't agree on something, we don't do it."
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