In a delightful turn of events, NFL star Travis Kelce has become the co-owner of a racehorse named Swift Delivery—a name inspired by his girlfriend, pop icon Taylor Swift. But the story behind the horse’s name is as charming as it is serendipitous, thanks to the creative efforts of a dedicated Taylor Swift fan who now hopes her contribution might catch the singer’s attention.
Emily Slavkin, a devoted Swiftie and TikTok user known as @emslavs, played a pivotal role in naming the three-year-old gelding. When her boyfriend’s family, who owns D.J. Stable, needed help coming up with a name for their new racehorse, Emily saw the perfect opportunity to honor her favorite artist.
After brainstorming, she suggested the name “Swift Delivery,” a clever nod to Taylor Swift and the horse’s potential speed and agility. The family loved the idea and approved the name.
“I’m a huge Swiftie, so I wanted the horse to be named something Taylor Swift-related,” Emily shared in a TikTok video last April. The name was both a tribute to Swift and a fitting title for a racehorse, blending Emily’s passion for the singer with the excitement of the racing world.
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Travis Kelce’s involvement with Swift Delivery began through a series of connections and friendships. Kelce’s friend, Alex Zoldan—whose father, Bruce Zoldan, is the CEO of Phantom Fireworks and a longtime partner of renowned thoroughbred owner Barry Irwin—introduced the NFL star to the world of horse racing. Kelce and Irwin first crossed paths at this year’s Kentucky Derby, where they discussed the possibility of Kelce entering the horse racing arena.
Not long after, Irwin learned about the horse named Swift Delivery and saw the connection to Kelce’s relationship with Taylor Swift as too perfect to ignore. “I thought it was a cute and appropriate name for him. The whole thing seemed like it was preordained,” Irwin remarked.
Recognizing the horse’s potential, Kelce, Irwin, the Zoldans, and an unnamed partner struck a deal to acquire a 25% stake in Swift Delivery, with Gary Barber, a prominent film producer, retaining the majority ownership. The partnership quickly became a buzzworthy topic in both the sports and horse racing communities.
Under the guidance of esteemed trainer Mark Casse, Swift Delivery has already shown significant promise. The gelding claimed a spectacular victory on June 23, winning by an impressive 16 lengths, followed by another win on July 19. Swift Delivery is now set to compete in the Toronto Cup at Woodbine, with high hopes for continued success.
“Travis didn’t just buy a horse—he bought a pretty good one,” Casse told the New York Post. “He’s a beautiful horse with a good pedigree by one of the top sires in the world. He’s like a rising star.” The involvement of a high-profile athlete like Kelce has added an extra layer of excitement to the horse racing world. “Everybody is excited; it’s like Travis is coming to a party,” Casse added. “It’s nice for horse racing. Now, we have to go out and perform.”
When Emily discovered that Travis Kelce had become a co-owner of the horse she named, she was thrilled. In a follow-up TikTok video, she expressed her hope that Taylor Swift might take notice of the heartfelt gesture. “Taylor, if you see this, I love you so much,” Emily said. “I named a horse after you, and now Travis Kelce owns it. Does this mean I’m kind of in Taylor’s universe?”
Emily’s excitement reflects the deep connection that fans feel with their idols and how those connections can lead to unexpected, heartwarming moments in the worlds of sports and entertainment. As Swift Delivery continues to shine on the racetrack, fans of both Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift are eagerly watching to see how this unique story unfolds.
The success of Swift Delivery could lead to even more memorable moments, possibly bringing Emily closer to her idol in a way she never imagined. “There’s nothing like owning a racehorse when it wins,” Casse said, capturing the excitement that this venture brings to everyone involved.
With a blend of talent, training, and a touch of serendipity, Swift Delivery is poised for a bright future, carrying the hopes of its owners and the Swiftie who gave it its name.
