by Pete Denk

Jake Delhomme, quarterback of the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers, expected to be studying film of coverage schemes and blitz packages this week.

Instead, he was inspecting hocks and pasterns.

Following the Panthers's 33-13 upset loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night, Delhomme started his offseason with a trip to Lexington to buy a few mares.

“Thanks to a terrible loss in the playoffs, I have some time off to spend,” Delhomme said from the back walking ring at the Keeneland January horses of all ages sale on Tuesday. “I might buy two or three mares to keep. I don’t breed to sell. I breed to race, strictly Louisiana-breds.”

Delhomme grew up in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. His grandfather owned horses, and his father reportedly rode in a match race at age eight.

“I was born into racing,” Delhomme said. “Dad had a barn in the backyard. I’d clean the stalls in back and then play football in the front yard. Once it’s in your blood, you can’t get it out.”

Delhomme buys horses under the name Set-Hut LLC. He said he typically has from ten to 12 horses in training at the Evangeline Training Center in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Delhomme bought the fourth horse through the ring on Tuesday, bidding $11,000 for Ellensburg, a 12-year-old Personal Flag mare out of Ivor’s Sonnet, by Bates Motel. In foal to Congaree, Ellensburg was consigned by Indian Creek, agent.

“I bought hip 404 back here. It was a quick study, maybe that’s bad,” Delhomme said.

He later purchased Some Came Running, a ten-year-old Phone Trick mare in foal to City Zip, for $15,000.

“Once I’m done with football, this could help fill my competitive void,” Delhomme said. “All athletes have that problem.”

Pete Denk is sales editor for Thoroughbred Times