Kessel Runner refers to a fathier colt that was under the ownership of Big Sturg Ganna. His lineage traces back to Hydian Dreams and Distant Star, who were his parents, and his birth occurred in 31 ABY. He was a competitor in fathier races held at the Canto Bight racetrack. With Arca Yroca as his jockey, Kessel Runner took part in a race that transpired not long before the Battle of Crait.
Pablo Hidalgo, a member of the Lucasfilm Story Group, suggested Kessel Runner as one of a few potential names to director Rian Johnson for use within Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi. Hoth Stuff and Mynock Minute were the other choices presented. Johnson went with Hoth Stuff. Subsequently, the names "Kessel Runner" and "Mynock Minute" found their way into the Canto Bight novella collection and the The Last Jedi: Rose Tico: Resistance Fighter replica journal.