ACTON, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — It's fairly common for people to have a side hustle these days -- but one local man is taking that term to a whole new level.
Dan Giovacchini is part owner of Hot Rod Charlie, one of the favorites in the 2021 Kentucky Derby.
The Acton man and software developer bought the thoroughbred when he graduated college with four of his best friends from Brown University.
"[We were asking ourselves] how do you keep this friendship, this brotherhood going -- and what new adventures can we go on?"
Hot Rod Charlie finished in second in the Breeders Cup Juvenile in November of last year, facing 94 to 1 odds.
He then claimed a victory at the Louisiana Derby at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans last month.
"The way we celebrated for that race turned every head who was in attendance in that crowd," Giovacchini said.
The horses standout career has led up to a pivotal moment on Saturday, when he will take to the track at Churchill Downs for this year's Kentucky Derby.
"I can't actually know what's going to happen, it's probably going to be an emotional blackout," Giovacchini said.
The derby will begin at 12 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, continuing until 7:30 p.m.
WBZ NewsRadio's Chris Fama (@CFamaWBZ) reports.
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Written by Rachel Armany
(Photo: Getty Images)