Mark Glatt competes in the Kentucky Derby on May 2, 2026, with his horse So Happy. This moment is bittersweet for him, as it comes just months after the sudden death of his wife, Dena Glatt, who passed away at 57 from heart failure.
Leading up to this race, So Happy earned a spot in the Derby by winning the Santa Anita Derby. Initially a long shot at 38-1 odds for his racing debut, he has now become a co-favorite with odds of 5-1.
Mark has been training thoroughbreds for over 30 years but has never reached this stage before. He reflects on his journey, saying, “I think she’d be very proud of an accomplishment like this. We’re still together, you know, even if it’s just in spirit.” He wears a bracelet containing some of Dena’s ashes as he prepares for this significant race.
The couple was married for 25 years and had three children together. Their family has faced immense challenges since Dena’s passing. Mark admits that while this achievement is special, it feels different amid their grief: “It’s special. Given what myself and my family have gone through over the last few months makes it different, maybe not as enjoyable.”
So Happy’s jockey, Mike Smith, is also feeling the weight of this moment. He aims for his third Kentucky Derby victory riding this promising horse. Mike describes So Happy’s determination by saying, “He just seems to do what he has to do.”
The horse’s lineage adds another layer to this story. So Happy is sired by Runhappy, who had previously underperformed as a stallion. Mark initially bought him for $150,000 after he sold for $20,000 as a yearling.
As the day approaches, Mark and his family prepare for what will be an emotional race at Churchill Downs in Louisville. They hope to honor Dena’s memory while celebrating their shared passion for racing.
