Where the Journey Began
Shawn first found C Lazy U Ranch the way many do: through his daughter’s love of horses. Searching for a vacation that would feed her passion and offer the family something new, the Kaletas landed at our slice of the Rocky Mountains, and things just clicked.
“We first visited in 2020 to experience the ranch life. I wanted to expose the family to an entirely different life than in Florida,” Shawn shared. “All of our family has greatly enjoyed the friendships created at the ranch. The kids seem to form lifelong friendships there. They spend so much time together in just one week. At the ranch, they almost become siblings.”
What started as a horse-loving getaway quickly became an annual tradition. Over five plus years of riding trails, getting in touch with the western spirit, and sharing evenings under the Colorado stars, Shawn found his own connection to the horse world — one that would have him off to the races.
“The ranch fostered the horse relationship with our family, and owning a horse became a passion. We now have three western horses at our home and two racehorses. It’s certain that without our C Lazy U experience, we would not be involved with horses. It’s created an incredible family bond.”
A Longshot with Heart
The spirited and powerful Flying Mohawk is a dark brown colt foaled in Kentucky on February 17, 2022, by Karakontie, a Japanese-bred, French-trained Thoroughbred racehorse, and mare Bonbons Fleur. Mohawk is trained by Whit Beckman and co-owned by Shawn Kaleta, former MLB All-Star Jayson Werth, and former baseball agent and adviser to the San Francisco Giants, Jeff Berry. It all began as a fun venture among friends, but suddenly, they found themselves with a real Derby contender.
Shawn shared that just getting into the Derby felt like a million-to-one chance. He and Mohawk’s co-owners have been embracing the experience of the storied race, and though their horse is set as a long shot this year, they remain optimistic about the animal’s spirit and capabilities, as well as Beckman’s training.
Flying Mohawk’s record — 2 wins and 2 seconds in 6 starts — might not scream frontrunner, but his powerful, late-running style and endurance over long distances give him a chance to surprise. His pre-Derby racing career on turf and synthetic surfaces is reminiscent of 2011 Derby winner Animal Kingdom, and although Mohawk has never before raced on dirt, he’s been training hard at Churchill Downs, clocking a promising 5-furlong breeze in just 1 minute. The horse will be ridden by jockey Joe Ramos, marking Ramos’s first Derby mount.
More Than a Race
For Shawn, the Derby dream goes far beyond sport. It’s about family, friendship, and the unexpected ways life can unfold when you follow your passions. What began as a typical family vacation to C Lazy U turned into something much bigger: a spark of inspiration, a bond between father and daughter, and ultimately, a shared dream brought to life.
“The kids are over the moon. They’re already planning their Derby outfits and can’t wait to cheer for Mohawk. It’s surreal—we went from a family vacation in Colorado to watching our horse run in such a big race. Too many emotions are involved but we are most excited to spend time with the family and all our friends going for support!! Let’s go flying Mohawk!!!”
It’s a full-circle moment that reminds us how the smallest interests — like a child’s love for horses — can gallop toward something unforgettable.
Cheering All the Way from Colorado
We’ll be rooting hard for Flying Mohawk this Derby Day, not just because he’s fast and full of heart — but because he’s part of the C Lazy U family.
The 151st Kentucky Derby airs live on Saturday, May 3, 2025, with coverage starting at 2:30 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock. Tune in to support your favorite horse, or join us to watch live at the ranch!
