Trainer Greg Tracy and his brother and assistant, James “Jim” Tracy, have been issued six-month suspensions after a routine search by Louisiana State Police at Delta Downs turned up the following in their tack room: 59 bottles of injectable medications, 352 hypodermic needles, 256 syringes, and 75 packs of Albuterol Sulfate inhalation solution. Nine syringes with clear liquid were sent to Louisiana State University for testing.
The search, conducted on Feb. 4, 2023, led to a hearing conducted with three stewards on March 1, according to rulings posted on the Association of Racing Commissioners International website. Jim Tracy and Sgt. Dallas Brasseaux attended in person, while Greg Tracy and an attorney only referred to in the ruling as “Moak” attended via phone. Moak advised the Tracy brothers not to answer any questions; stewards introduced the state police report into evidence and suspended both Greg and Jim Tracy for six months, from March 5, 2023, through Sept. 4, 2023.
Each was granted an appeal on March 9, and Greg Tracy started two horses at the Fair Grounds on Sunday, March 12, finishing third and fourth in the first and fifth races, respectively.
TOP HONORS WERE HANDED OUT DURING FINAL PROGRAM, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28
VINTON, LA. – The 2022-23 Thoroughbred season at Delta Downs wrapped up on Tuesday with a couple of familiar names and one new one at the top of the horsemen’s standings. Karl Broberg and End Zone Athletics, Inc. once again led all trainers and owners respectively while emerging superstar Vicente Del Cid topped the jockey standings for the first time in Vinton.
Coady photography
Del Cid came into the season at Delta Downs as an apprentice rider and left as a journeyman. He lost his apprentice allowance midway through the meeting, but the added weight did not slow him down as he topped the standings from start to finish and ended the season with 121 wins and $2,789,565 in mount earnings to lead both categories. He also scored three stakes wins this year, each worth $100,000 in total purse money.
Del Cid’s accomplishment at Delta Downs followed a breakout season at Boyd Gaming’s other Louisiana racetrack, Evangeline Downs. During the 2022 meet in Opelousas, Del Cid won his first riding title by notching 125 wins. His riding prowess in 2022 garnered enough votes nationally to see him finish second in the voting for the Eclipse Award for Champion Apprentice Jockey, which was announced in late January.
Following Del Cid in the jockey standings were C. J. McMahon (85 wins), Jose Guerrero (59), Joe Stokes (52), Alex Birzer (49), Joel Dominguez (40), Tim Thornton (40), Thomas Pompell (39), Elio Berrera (33), and Juan Vargas (33).
Coady photography
Broberg continued his dominance at Delta Downs in 2022-23 by sending out 72 winners and totaling $1,473,510 in barn earnings to lead each category. It was the 12th straight time the Broberg barn has led the standings dating back to the 2011-12 season. During the 2018-19 season his horses set the current records for Thoroughbred trainers with 107 wins and earnings of $2,017,120.
Rounding out the list of leading trainers for the Delta Downs meeting were Brett Brinkman (39), Juan Larrosa (38), Isai V. Gonzalez (32), Allen Landry (26), Eduardo Ramirez (26), Greg Tracy (21), Edith Mojica (16), Sam Breaux (16), and Lee M. Thomas (16).
Coady photography
End Zone Athletics, Inc. saw 59 of their runners win and earn a total of $1,158,650 during the meeting to lead both categories for owners. It was the eighth consecutive title and 11th overall for End Zone Athletics, which includes partners Karl Broberg and Matt Johanson.
Rounding out the top owners for the season were GSH Stables, LLC (23), Mojica Stables, Inc. (14), Mark Hibdon (11), Noman Stables, LLC (11), Brandon Hebert (9), Elite Thoroughbred Racing, LLC (8), Spooky Business Stable, LLC (7), L and G Racing Stables (7), and Jason S. Guidry (7).
Delta Downs now looks forward to its upcoming American Quarter Horse season which gets underway on April 28 and runs through July 15. The 46-day meeting will feature live racing each Wednesday through Saturday night with first post time set for 6:15 pm Central Time.
For more information about the Delta Downs Quarter Horse season, including specific race days, go to the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also follow the track on Facebook and Twitter.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino and Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE:BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana, on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles, take Exit 7 and from Texas, take Exit 4.
Averett Farm’s Whence, a multiple-winning sprinter by Scat Daddy, sired his first winner Feb. 28 when his 3-year-old son All of Us won a five-furlong maiden claimer at Delta Downs by three-quarters of a length in his second start.
All of Us is the first foal out of the winning Half Ours mare Mine Yours an Ours and was bred in Louisiana by Gerald Averett Jr. The mare has a 2-year-old by Ocean Knight and is in foal this year to a full sibling to All of Us.
Major milestones in Thoroughbred racing represent so much more than a number. Whether it be 1,000, 2,500, 3,000, 5,000 or the remarkable 10,000th win by Hall of Fame conditioner Steve Asmussen, each recipient has worked tirelessly for the achievement.
Trainer Chris Richard has paid his dues competing in Kentucky, Arkansas, Minnesota, Oklahoma and his home state of Louisiana over the past three decades.
Richard grew up in Lake Charles and had friends who raced Quarter Horses at Delta Downs. He loved the action and was inspired by the powerful athletes. Education came first with Richard attending Texas A&M in College Station and earning a BA in Animal/Equine Science followed by his Masters in Equine Nutrition and Exercise Physiology.He was also a standout bowler and competed on the A&M Bowling team!
When he graduated, he moved to Kentucky and took on the role of private trainer for James McIngvale. The Houston-based furniture salesman, known as “Mattress Mack” is a nationally recognized supporter of breeding and racing and has played an important role in Richard’s career. The long awaited 1,000th win took place at Delta Downs on Friday, February 24 withFreebritney, a 3-year-old filly by Klimt, purchased by McIngvale at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale for $27,000.
Richard began 2023 just four wins short of the milestone.He had 32 starts this year at Fair Grounds, Oaklawn and Delta before finally winning his 1,000th race.
“It took a while,” acknowledged Richard. “Trying to get a milestone is like pulling teeth; you run second and third and wonder if it will ever happen!”
Richard shared his full circle path training for McIngvale.
“My first official win came in 1998 with Albadar for Mack who also owns the filly who gave me my 1,000th win!How cool is that?”
Each trainer has the daunting task of figuring out what it takes for each horse to be successful on the racetrack. Freebritney presented her share of challenges.
“She was a little bit ornery,” he explained. “I had to go slow with her. In her first work out of the gate, she broke well, but stopped abruptly and started spinning like a helicopter. She made one start at Canterbury and I felt she needed some time off. She figured it out at Delta; I’ve learned over the years that you have to be patient; have a plan B and sometimes a plan C!”
McIngvale was also the breeder of Richard’s top earner, Underpressure, a Louisiana-bred son of Birdstone, out of the Charismatic mare Charming Colleen. Richard had an immediate connection with the gelding and purchased him. He became a multiple-stakes winner for the Richard barn, earning $870,992 in 45 starts.
Richard, who turned 50 last year, was an assistant to top trainer Tom Amoss for five years. He is grateful to Amoss and a number of owners for their support.
“Stan Cole gave me a great opportunity in Minnesota and I trained for Maggi Moss at Prairie Meadows for eight years,” said Richard.
Native Ruler, a $25,000 claimer for Moss, won nine stakes and retired with earnings of $712, 296 andshe also owned Outta Tune, who captured the Grade 3, Count Fleet at Oaklawn Park.
Richard’s seven-year tenure at Prairie Meadows was a solid building block for his stable as well as his personal life. That is where he met his future wife, Mallory Greiner, who was attending Iowa State University and had a job working in the Prairie Meadows racing office.They married in 2019 and make their home in Vinton. She devotes countless hours to re-homing the Richard-trainees as their racing careers wind down.
“I vet each prospective owner very carefully,” explained Mallory. “It’s never an easy process, but we believe in making sure our horses have a good home away from the racetrack.”
There’s never much time for celebration for horsemen and Richard was on the road from Delta Downs to Oaklawn Park the morning after winning his 1,000th career race.
“It’s an amazing feeling,” he stated. “I’ve been very fortunate to have some real nice horses, loyal owners, a great crew and the support of Mallory. I am very appreciative of this!”
FREE LIKE A GIRL SURPASSES $800,000 IN EARNINGS WHILE WINNING THE DISTAFF
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs hosted its richest program of the season on Saturday evening as the 20th edition of Louisiana Premier Night took center stage. The 12-race program featured 10 stakes races and $980,000 in total purse money for Louisiana-bred horses.
The featured race on the program was the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship. The favorite, Touchuponastar did not disappoint in the race, winning easily under jockey Tim Thorton, who notched a pair of wins on the rich program.
Touchuponastar, who is owned by retired NFL quarterback Jake Delhomme’s Set Hut Stables and trained by Jeff Delhomme, was expected to set the pace in the 1 1-16-mile test for 4-year-olds and up, but an early lead was not in the cards as Brian’s Iron Mike shot to the front in the initial strides after Touchuponastar stumbled when the gates opened.
Thornton appeared to struggle with his mount early after a rough start, but he settled down and angled off the rail entering the first turn of the two-turn race. The opening quarter mile was clicked off in 23.65 seconds by Brian’s Iron Mike while Thornton guided his mount into a stalking position onto the backstretch. When the half-mile was reached in 47.47, Brian’s Iron Mike was feeling the pressure from Touchuponastar and eventually gave way to the eventual winner, who clicked off a rapid time of 1:12.89 for three quarters.
Turning for home the outcome was never in doubt, as Touchuponastar increased his lead and cruised to a final winning margin of 2-1/2 lengths over late runner Behemah Star, while recording a final time of 1:45.53. Ballinonabudjet wound up third, another three lengths behind the runner-up.
After the race, Thornton raved about Touchuponastar, whom he has ridden in all but one of his seven career starts.
“He’s a class act; does everything you ask of him,” stated the winning rider. “He stumbled out of the gate, but I was never worried.”
Touchuponastar has now won four consecutive races and five-of-seven starts overall. He banked another $90,000 for the win on Saturday and his earnings now stand at $253,100.
Bred in Louisiana by Coteau Grove Farms, Touchuponastar is a 4-year-old gelding by Star Guitar, out of the Lion Heart mare Touch Magic. He was purchased for $15,000 as yearling.
Sent off at odds of 6-5 by the fans, Touchuponastar returned $4.40 to win, $2.80 to place and $2.10 to show. Behemah Star was worth $3.20 to place and $2.60 to show. Ballinonabudjet paid $2.80 to show.
In other action on Louisiana Premier Night, Free Like a Girl won the $125,000 Distaff under jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. for trainer Chasey Deville Pomier. The multiple graded stakes placed 4-year-old filly notched her 11thwin from 23 career starts in the race for owners Gerald Bruno, Jr., Carl J. Deville, Chasey Deville Pomier and Jerry Caroom. The $75,000 winner’s paycheck raised Free Like a Girl’s lifetime bankroll up to $829,878.
Race favorite Bron and Brow used a rail-skimming trip up jockey Rey Gutierrez to claim victory in the $100,000 Sprint. The Mark Casse trainee was well behind the leaders early in the five-furlong affair but found a seam on the inside of leader Takes Two to Tango in the stretch before drawing clear to win easily. Bron and Brow, a 4-year-old by Gormley, is owned by Gary Barber and has now won five-of-11 starts while earning $284,670.
Alpine Mist made her stakes debut a winning one in the $100,000 Starlet on Louisiana Premier Night. Under jockey Vicente Del Cid, Alpine Mist pulled the upset at odds of 11-1 for owner/breeder Melissa Cantacuzene and trainer J. Luis Garcia. Alpine Mist, a 3-year-old filly, is now a perfect three-for-three in her career and has earned $108,600.
The $100,000 Prince wasn’t without controversy this year as Allied Racing Stables’ gelding Jack Hammer made it to the wire first in the one-mile test for 3-year-olds but had to survive a jockey’s objection from C. J. McMahon, who rode runner-up Marks Promise. The objection was eventually disallowed, and the W. Bret Calhoun trainee was declared the official winner. Jack Hammer is now undefeated in his three-race career and banked $60,000 for his victory on Saturday night. His fledgling bankroll now stands at $157,755.
This year’s $100,000 Matron featured a dramatic photo finish between Snowball and Ova Charged, who hit the finished line together. After the image was examined by the placing judges, the tote board displayed a dead heat for the win.
Snowball’s effort earned her the eighth victory of her career from 47 overall starts. The 7-year-old mare has now won $470,370 for owner Tin Roof Farms, LLC and trainer Sam Breaux. Snowball was ridden to victory by jockey Vicente Del Cid.
Ova Charged, who was sent off was the heavy favorite while on a five-race winning streak, was ridden by jockey Jose Rodriguez. The Jose Camejo trainee is owned by Brittlyn Stables, Inc. Ova Charged has only suffered defeat once in her nine-race career, and that was in a graded stakes race at Belmont Park in July of 2021. Ova Charged has now earned $364,600 during her stellar career.
The biggest upset of the night came in the $60,000 Gentlemen Starter as Kevin Delahoussaye’s Freedomfi wore down pacesetter Doctor Leo in the stretch of the 1 1/16-mile event. Going off at odds of 31-1, the Glenn Delahoussaye trainee was ridden to victory by Tim Thornton. Freedomfi is now six-for-47 during his career, and he has earned $253,847.
The Mark Hibdon owned and trained D’wild Muffin took the $50,000 Bon Temps Starter under jockey Alex Birzer. The 9-year-old mare has now won six-of-16 career starts and has a bankroll of $114,704. Her local record at Delta Downs now stands at five wins and three seconds from 12 trips to the starting gate.
This year’s $60,000 LAPN Ladies Starter went to Zydeco Music under jockey Rey Gutierrez. The Shane Wilson trainee used a front-running trip to lead all the way before holding off a late challenge by A Wish for Madelyn, who made it close at the wire in the one-mile affair. Owned by Richard Anthony Tompkins, Zyedeco Music has now won 10-of-28 career starts and banked $204,440.
The final race on the card was the $50,000 Ragin Cajun Starter and it was won by Vanessa Motta’s Dixie Street under jockey Tracy Hebert for trainer Sean Alfortish. Dixie street went from last to first in the five-furlong sprint and has now won nine-of-33 career starts. He earned $30,000 for his win and now has a bankroll of $219,520.
Delta Downs has three weeks left in its 2022-23 season. The track will move to a 5:20 pm post time each Wednesday through Saturday until closing night on February 25.
For more information about racing at Delta Downs visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also get information about through Facebook by visiting the page ‘Delta Downs Racing’. The track’s Twitter handle is @deltaracing.
NEARLY $1 MILLION IN TOTAL PURSE MONEY TO BE AWARDED TO LOUISIANA’S BEST THOROUGHBREDS DURING 12-RACE PROGRAM
VINTON, LA. – Delta Downs is getting set for the richest race day of the season on Saturday when Louisiana’s most talented racehorses will vie for nearly $1 million in total purse money on Louisiana Premier Night. The annual event features 10 stakes races on a 12-race program that kicks off at 4:50 pm. This will be the 20th renewal of Louisiana Premier Night.
In addition to thrilling action on the racetrack, fans will also be treated to a Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association Last Fan Standing Handicapping Contest with cash prizes awarded to the top five finishers; a special drawing for two (2) $1,000 Louisiana college scholarships, also sponsored by the LTBA; and an appearance by expert handicapper and national horse racing personality Martha Claussen, who will co-host the simulcast show along with track announcer Don Stevens.
The feature race on Saturday will be the $150,000 Louisiana Premier Night Championship for older horses competing at 1-1/16 miles, which will be the 11th race on the card. This year’s headliner attracted a field of nine headed by Set-Hut, LLC’s Touchuponastar (3-1 morning line favorite), who will be ridden by jockey Tim Thornton. The Jeff Delhomme trainee enters the event on a three-race winning streak and most recently defeated four other Championship runners in the Louisiana Classic at Fair Grounds on Champions Day, December 10.
The LAPN Championship field also includes top earner Who Took The Money (7-2), who won the $100,000 Gold Cup at Delta Downs earlier this season; Highland Creek (6-1), who won the Boyd Rewards Stakes at Delta Downs on December 30; Behemah Star (9-2), who finished second to Touchuponastar in the Louisiana Classic; and defending race champion Langs Day (6-1).
The overwhelming morning line favorite on the entire program is Brittlyn Stable’s 5-year-old mare Ova Charged, who will go postward in the $100,000 Louisiana Premier Night Matron at five furlongs. Installed at odds of 3-5 in the program, Ova Charged is a graded stakes placed runner who enters the night on a five-race winning streak, the last four of which were in stakes company. Jockey Jose Luis Rodriguez will get a leg up on the mare from trainer Jose Camejo.
The top earner on the entire program Saturday will try to win her second consecutive Louisiana Premier Night race when Free Like a Girl goes to the post in the $125,000 Distaff. The Chasey Deville Pomier trainee won last year’s Starlet as a 3-year-old and has been graded stakes placed multiple times since that effort. Overall, the 4-year-old daughter of El Deal has banked $754,878 on 10 wins from 22 starts. Jockey Pedro Cotto, Jr. will pilot Free Like a Girl, who is the 5-2 morning line favorite for the race.
In addition to the many local horsemen taking part in Louisiana Premier Night, there will also be nationally prominent trainers who will saddle horses on the program. They include Brad Cox, Karl Broberg, W. Bret Calhoun and many others.
Listed below are all 10 Louisiana Premier Night stakes races for 2023 in program order.
Race # Purse Stakes Distance Age
3 $60,000 LAPN Ladies Starter 1 mile 4yo & up FM
4 $50,000 LAPN Bon Temps Starter 5 furlongs 4yo & up FM
5 $60,000 LAPN Gentlemen Starter 1-1/16 miles 4yo & up
6 $100,000 LAPN Prince 1 mile 3yo
7 $125,000 LAPN Distaff 1 mile 4yo & up FM
8 $100,000 LAPN Matron 5 furlongs 4yo & up FM
9 $100,000 LAPN Starlet 1 mile 3yo Fillies
10 $100,000 LAPN Sprint 5 furlongs 4yo & up
11 $150,000 LAPN Championship 1-1/16 miles 4yo & up
For more information about Louisiana Premier Night and the remainder of Delta Downs’ season, which runs through February 25, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com. Fans can also follow the track on Facebook and Twitter.
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino & Hotel, a property of Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE;BYD), features exciting casino action, live horse racing and fun dining experiences. Delta Downs is located in Vinton, Louisiana on Delta Downs Drive. From Lake Charles take exit 7 off Interstate 10, and from Texas take exit 4.
Accredited Louisiana Bred Champions Ballots to mail from LTBA office.
Feb 2
Groundhog Day
Feb 4
LTBA Board of Directors Meeting 1:30 p.m., Delta Downs Human Resources Office
Louisiana Premier Night, Delta Downs, Vinton, 1st post 4:50
LTBA Scholarship two $1,000 scholarships for current college students to be drawn at the winners circle after the 5th race. Must be present to win.
Feb 13
Out of State Breeders Awards to mail from LTBA office
Feb 14
Evangeline Downs Stall Application Deadline
Valentines Day
Feb 18
Louisiana Derby Preview Day, New Orleans Fair Grounds; G3 Mineshaft H, G2 Risen Star St., G2 Rachel Alexandra S., G3 Fair Grounds S., Colonel Power S., Albert M. Stall Memorial S.
Feb 20
Presidents Day
Feb 21
Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras Stakes, New Orleans Fair Grounds
Feb 25
Louisiana Stallion of the Year Half Ours Stakes, New Orleans Fair Grounds
Louisiana Broodmare of the Year Buttercup’s Song Stakes, New Orleans Fair Grounds
Feb 28
Accredited Louisiana Bred Champions Ballots due in LTBA office. This is a firm deadline. Ballots received after Feb. 28 will not be counted.
Would you like to sponsor a newsletter? Reach @ 2,500 readers.Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for cost and availability.
Do you have a date pertaining to Louisiana-breds that you would like included in an upcoming calendar? Please contact Linda 985-386-0360, linda@louisianabred.com or Roger 504-947-4676, roger@louisianabred.com for consideration.
Registration On Site at Delta Downs Saturday, February 4, 2023
(VINTON, La.) – Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino will host Louisiana Premier Night Saturday, February 4, with a post time of 4:50 p.m. CT. Plenty of activities are planned for a big day of championship Louisiana bred racing. Eleven races will be contested including ten stakes.
The stakes races are as follows with over $800,000 in guaranteed purses are on the line.
LA Bred Premier Ladies Starter – $60,000 Purse
LA Bred Premier Gentlemen Starter – $60,000 Purse
LA Bred Premier Ragin Cajun Starter – $50,000 Purse
LA Premier Bon Temps Starter – $50,000 Purse
LA Premier Prince – $100,000 Purse
LA Premier Distaff – $125,000 Purse
LA Premier Starlet – $100,000 Purse
LA Premier Championship – $150,000 Purse
LA Premier Sprint – $100,000 Purse
LA Premier Matron – $100,000 Purse
In addition on Premier Night, the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association (LTBA) will award two scholarships, each valued at $1,000, to college students.
“We want you to enjoy these races with Louisiana’s best equine superstars,” said Roger Heitzmann, secretary/treasurer for the Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association. “These championship races often help decide our Horse of the Year standings by our members and our scholarship awards continue to fund the education of our youth in Louisiana.”
Requirements for the scholarship are as follows:
Must be a college student enrolled full-time in an Accredited College, University or Community College for Spring 2023 or Summer 2023
Scholarships will be awarded by random draw.
Must be in good standing with the college or university.
Must be present to win at the Winner’s Circle when the announcement is made.
Must have college ID and government-issued ID.
Must have University ID number or Social Security number.
For Louisiana Premier Night:
Registration: 3:50 p,m. – 4:50 p.m. at the designated booth
Races begin: 4:50 p.m.
Drawing Time: The scholarships will be awarded after the fifth race.The scholarship will be deposited directly into the student’s account at the college or university. The student is asked to know the name and address of the college that they are attending.
Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association manages the best incentive program for breeding thoroughbreds in the United States. Since the organization formed, this has led to increased purses, better quality horses, and increased interest in racing and breeding horses. The thoroughbred racing and breeding industry generates over $1 billion and employs over 60,000 people in the state of Louisiana.
For more information about Louisiana Thoroughbred Breeders Association visit louisianabred.com or call (504) 947-4676.
W. BRET CALHOUN TRAINEE WINS FIRST STAKES RACE OF HIS CAREER
Highland Creek wins the 2022 Boyd Rewards Stakes. Coady Photography.
VINTON, LA. – Allied Racing Stables, LLC’s Highland Creek used a perfect trip to hold off favored Ballinonabudjet in Friday night’s featured $70,000 Boyd Rewards Stakes under jockey C. J. McMahon. In the process the W. Bret Calhoun trainee notched the first stakes win of his 17-race career.
Breaking from post position four in a seven-horse field, Highland Creek settled off the pace set by longshot Doctor Leo, who went the opening quarter mile in 23.96 and the half mile in 48.95. As the field entered the second turn of the 7 ½-furlong test for 3-year-old and up Louisiana-breds, McMahon asked his mount to rally from just off the pace and he responded by taking a clear lead entering the upper-stretch.
Inside the final furlong a stout challenge was mounted by race favorite Ballinonabudjet, who took an inside path and ran at the leader with abandon. At the finish line Highland Creek proved a head better than his rival while Venn wound up another two lengths behind the top pair in third. Highland Creek covered the distance over a good track in a time of 1:32.92.
Highland Creek earned $42,000 for his win and now has a career bankroll of $253,081. His overall record includes five wins, five seconds and one third from 17 trips to the starting gate.
Bred in Louisiana by J. Adcock and Neal McFadden, Highland Creek is a 4-year-old bay gelding by Broken Vow, out of the Mizzen Mast mare Mizzenway.
Sent to the gate as the second choice of the wagering public, Highland Creek paid $5.80 to win, $3 to place and $2.40 to show. Ballinonabudjet returned $2.60 to place and $2.20 to show. Venn was worth $3 to show.
RONNIE WARD TRAINEE TURNS IN HUGE EFFORT UNDER JOCKEY JUAN VARGAS
Eileen Alexandra wins the 2022 Rosewater Stakes at Delta Downs. Coady Photography.
VINTON, LA. – Saving her best stride for late, Bob Mahoney’s 4-year-old filly Eileen Alexandra rallied in the stretch to win a dramatic edition of the $70,000 Rosewater Stakes at Delta Downs on Thursday night. The win came at the expense of Final Quest, who was leading in the final strides before being overtaken by the eventual winner.
Under jockey Juan Vargus, Eileen Alexandra was reserved early in the 7 1/2-furlong test of Louisiana-bred fillies and mares. As pacesetter Lutie Mo showed the way through fractional times of 23.71 seconds for the opening quarter mile and 48.80 for the half, Eileen Alexandra sat back in mid pack before jockey Juan Vargas took her to the middle of the track for a clear run around the far turn.
Gaining momentum as the field turned for home, Eileen Alexandra took dead aim on the leader Final Quest as the latter clocked three-quarters of a mile in 1:14.32. During the stretch run, Final Quest could not hold sway as Eileen Alexandra just got up in the final jump to win the race by a head. It was another 5-3/4 lengths back to the third-place finisher Mishpachah. The final running time for Eileen Alexandra was 1:34.52 seconds over a fast track.
The win by Eileen Alexandra was the fifth of her 18-race career. She earned $42,000 for the effort and now has a lifetime bankroll of $214,436.
Bred in Louisiana by her owner, the Ronnie Ward trainee is a chestnut filly by Jess’s Dream out of the Mr. Greeley mare Miss Stonestreet.
Sent to the gate at odds of 11-1, Eileen Alexandra paid $25.20 to win, $10.60 to place and $5.80 to show. Final Quest returned $5.20 to place and $3.80 to show. Mishpachah was worth $3.80 to show.
You must be logged in to post a comment.