Motion's career took fortuitous turns on way to Preakness

English-born trainer explored other facets of the horse racing business while developing the patience for his craft

That philosophy had tremendous appeal to Barry Irwin, who runs the Team Valor partnership that owns Animal Kingdom. He wanted his horses in a calm, relaxed, European-style training center and he didn't want them administered any drugs to help them run. Motion's Derby victory has celebrated by some in the business because of his reputation as a "clean" trainer. He's never been cited for a medication violation, and last year was on of only two trainers in the Top 20 earnings without a violation, according to the New York Times.

"It is something I feel strongly about," Motion said. "I don't like to dwell on it. A lot of people have kind of focused on it around the Derby, and it puts a lot of pressure on us, to be honest. Anyone can have an accident when you're dealing with 100 horses and 80 employees. You can have a mistake, and I feel a tremendous burden from it. Some day, someone is going to make a mistake and it's going to be a much bigger headline because of this. But it is something we've created, and something I feel very strongly about."

Irwin believes Motion has the discipline and the talent to be as good as any trainer in the business.

"He's very thoughtful," Irwin said. "He's very analytical. And he's extremely well organized. I didn't realize how well organized he was. He's right up there with [Todd] Pletcher and [Neil] Drysdale. They're the two most impressive guys I've worked with, and he's right there. Graham is just this laid back guy who watches everything, thinks about it, and doesn't get emotional. There are not a lot of spikes up and down. He's kind to the people he works for, and asks for their input. I like that."

Motion has tried to stay calm and cool these past two weeks. He walks the family Labrador retrievers, Ginger and Bentley, around the Fair Hill property after watching Animal Kingdom work. He went to his daughter Jane's soccer match, caught up with old friends, and tried not to feel overwhelmed by the moment. He won't allow himself to dream beyond the Preakness. Not yet, anyway.

There is special feeling accompanies a Maryland trainer bringing the best 3-year-old in the country to Pimlico Race Course for Maryland's biggest race. It's been a long, but wonderful journey, and he plans to soak up every last second.

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