Years ago at Calder (1993, I think) Happy Alter ran a horse named D J Cat barefoot and, for whatever reason, it was a big deal. I mean, I guess it's not too common, but it does happen from time to time. It was also a time well before glue-on shoes became fashionable.

Local media picked up the story (remember when local media actually cared about racing?) and one of the features reporters took off his shoes and walked around the tow ring behind D J Cat. I just remember how much that guy cracked himself up about it. Hey, to each his own...

And I don't think Brother Derek was ever without shoes. Glue-ons, maybe, but not barefoot. At least I've never seen him barefoot.