El Deal won the 2017 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap (G1) at Saratoga.
By Byron King
Royal O’Haigain became the first winner for the Louisiana stallion El Deal when the 2-year-old filly won a $64,562 maiden special weight at Santa Anita Park May 21.
Bet down to 4-5, she led from start to finish, finishing 5 1/2 lengths ahead of runner-up Harddiane . The Luis Mendez-trained winner, owned by L. N. M. Three Company, Pappas Horse Racing, and Charles Bartlett, completed 4 1/2 furlongs in :53.12 on a fast track under Alexis Centeno.
Bred in Louisiana by Cloyce Clark Jr., Royal O’Haigain is the first winner from the grade 3-placed Cowtown Cat mare Dreaming of Susie . Royal O’Haigain fell short of her reserve when bidding halted at $47,000 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales’ March 2021 Two-Year-Olds In Training Sale, where she was consigned by Havens Bloodstock Agency.
