News

July 9, 2025, Ruidoso Downs

“We want to start this morning by saying thank you to all those that have reached out and checked in on our property, team, members and animals.

Due to the severity of the flood waters, we are currently assessing all damage to best determine next steps. Safety is our top priority and what we will focus on today as we work towards a plan.

We will continue to post on social media and our website as details come available.

Our thoughts & prayers are with all those affected and serve as a reminder that we are stronger together. #ruidosostrong”

In partnership with the Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association (OQHRA), all Oklahoma racetracks—Remington Park, Fair Meadows at Tulsa, and Will Rogers Downs—have announced expanded hair testing measures for the 2026 Quarter Horse, Paint, and Appaloosa race meets. While pre-entry hair testing has been a condition of entry since 2018, the updated policy builds on that foundation by introducing new layers of accountability and a unified approach across all tracks.

“We are expanding our integrity efforts and working to hold everyone accountable for the horses in their care,” said Krissy Bamberg, Executive Director of OQHRA. “This is a collective effort among all Oklahoma tracks to protect the integrity of the sport and the welfare of the horse.”

The 2026 updates include a new provision that will exclude any trainer from participating at Oklahoma tracks for the remainder of a meet if three or more horses in their care test positive through official pre-entry hair tests for any prohibited substance. In addition, any owner with three or more positive tests during the meet will also be deemed ineligible to participate for the remainder of that meet.

Another upgrade to the policy is the expansion of unofficial testing. This informational hair-testing option will be available beginning with the fall yearling sales. These test kits can be requested through OQHRA. The hair samples can be collected by the owner or trainer and submitted to the lab for testing; results of these unofficial tests will not be considered official for entry purposes, but they will allow owners or trainers who have acquired horses from other barns to voluntarily test them in advance of entry to ensure they are clear of prohibited substances. It offers peace of mind, particularly before making financial commitments such as nomination fees, training investments, or early race preparations. It is important to note that many Sale Companies offer hair testing as a buyer protection within 24 hours of the sale; buyers are encouraged to contact the sales companies about the options available.

“Integrity is the backbone of everything we do,” said Matt Vance, Executive Vice President at Remington Park. “These policies help preserve the integrity of the sport by holding those who choose not to play by the rules accountable. We are proud to work with other Oklahoma tracks and OQHRA to lead the way in promoting fair competition in Quarter Horse racing.”

The core hair testing requirement remains in place: every Quarter Horse, Paint, or Appaloosa must submit to a one-time, pre-entry hair test before starting at any Oklahoma track. Official test results are sent directly to the racetrack, and positive results will lead to exclusion for the duration of that meet. These exclusions are track-specific only and do not constitute regulatory suspensions; participants remain eligible at other tracks unless a separate jurisdiction elects to take action. All horses with official positive tests will be listed publicly at www.OQHRA.com, and test results may be shared with other jurisdictions upon request.

To make the process easier for horsemen, farm visits for hair testing will be available in January and early February for Oklahoma-based trainers with 40 or more horses.

All details of the 2026 hair testing policy, including the unofficial testing option, are available at www.OQHRA.com or by calling (405) 881-5120.

The Ruidoso, New Mexico community and Ruidoso Downs Racetrack have once again been devastated by flash flooding on July 8, 2025. Updates will be posted as they become available. 

July 8, 2025 – AJAX DOWNS
One of the most unique races at AJAX DOWNS is the Gridiron Gallop, a 110-yard dash named for the length of a Canadian Football League field. It’s a popular wager with bettors as the start occurs virtually in front of the fans, and occasionally, a track record will be set.

This Wednesday, July 9, a featured event on the seven-race card is race 6, an allowance dash at the Gridiron distance for horses who have never won at the 110 yards. Three of the seven entrants have never even attempted the distance.

Two starters on Wednesday have come close to winning a Gridiron Gallop, including SHAKEN, who was second by a neck at the distance on May 28. The Ontario sired and foaled 8-year-old, owned, bred, and trained by Chantelle Bourgeois, is quick out of the gate which helps his chances at the short distance. His regular rider Cassandra Jeschke is on board and they will break from post position two.

Dan Giles’ homebred ICE WITCH, who has post seven with JB Botello riding, has tried the Gridiron distance nine times with two third-place finishes. He was a long neck behind Shaken when they tried the Gridiron Gallop in May.

Quarter Horses can go from standing in the gate to racing up to 75 km per hour in the blink of an eye. In 2019, Milena Kwiecien’s Carneros set a world record for the 110-yard distance when he stopped the teletime in 6.770 seconds in a win at Ajax Downs. That record was broken in 2022 by Divas Last Anita at the Hipodromo de Las Americas in Mexico City, who raced the distance in 6.660.

Carneros (photo below by Laurie Overton with Payton Kluczynski riding) is now retired from racing, works as a track pony, and greets fans at Ajax Downs during the afternoon races.

Caneros, World Record Setter

First race post time this Wednesday is 1:45 p.m. The popular Pick 5 wager begins on race 3, which appears to be a two-horse race between IVORY QUEEN (#3) and HESMAGICALYDELICIOUS (#5).

Admission and parking are always free at Ajax Downs. You can watch and wager on our exciting races trackside, up close to the action, at our picnic tables. 

To reserve tables in advance for $25 or book the VIP room for your party or group, contact www.ajaxdowns.com.There is also an expansive simulcast wagering room with tellers, or you can wager through www.HPIBet.com.

If you want to get involved in owning a Quarter Horse, contact the Quarter Racing Owners of Ontario at 905- 426-7050.

WHEELOCK, TEXAS — July 7, 2025 — Granada Farms is proud to announce the addition of Dulce Sin Tacha to its esteemed stallion roster. A promising force in the breeding shed, 2025’s #1 Freshman Sire Dulce Sin Tacha represents excellence in Quarter Horse racing and breeding. His 2026 breeding fee will be announced at a later date.

“We are extremely blessed to add such an incredible stallion to our roster,” said Coy Dolan, General Manager of Granada Farms. “I’d like to thank the Gaston family for allowing Granada Farms such an incredible opportunity. We’re excited for what the future holds.”

Dulce Sin Tacha, a Grade 1 winner and 2-Time Champion bred, raised and raced by Bob and Jerry Gaston, brings proven speed, pedigree, and conformation that breeders across the country will value. His addition further cements Granada Farms’ position as one of the premier stallion stations in the industry.

Stay tuned for updates regarding breeding inquiries and Dulce Sin Tacha’s 2026 fee.

For more information, visit www.granadafarms.com or contact the office directly at (979) 828-5167.

July 6, 2025 – LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA
Link Newcomb’s Cattail Cove won the Independence Day Handicap for the third time after flying from the outside post number nine to outduel Abigail Kawananakoa Stakes winner Budderhomesngarden by a ½ length in the $30,000 race on Sunday at Los Alamitos. 

          Cattail Cove is now a seven-time stakes winner at the Orange County oval with his wins in the 2022 and 2023 Independence Day among his first stakes winning efforts here. Since then, Cattail Cove has won stakes like the Moonist Stakes here in March and in last year’s Grade 3 First Down Dash Handicap last December. All in all, the 8-year-old by Favorite Cartel has won 12 races from 55 career starts and has finished in the money in 35 of those outings. He earned $16,500 for the win to take his career earnings to $779,045.   

          “He’s won four races out of five (at 300 yards), you can’t beat that,” Newcomb said. “He’s eight years old and still loving what he’s doing every day and it’s such a joy to watch. I’m sure we’ll run him on California Breeders Champions Night, probably in the Spencer Childers and then after that the horse will tell us what he wants to do. We built a new barn for him in Oklahoma for when he’s ready to retire. Probably, I’m thinking he’ll run through the end of the year. Maybe not run next year. As long as he likes it, we’ll keep running him.”

          Martin Arriaga piloted the Juan Aleman trainee, who covered the distance in :15.248. Newcomb added that it’ll be special to have Cattail Cove home in Oklahoma when his career eventually comes to an end.

          “It’ll be important that he is used on the ranch because he won’t like just being idle. They’ll use him as a ranch horse and see how he gets along. It’ll be good for everybody.”

          Ridden by Cesar Franco for owner/breeder Double Bar S Ranch, Budderhomesngarden earned $6,750 for running second in the Independence Day. Trained by Elena Andrade, the 4-year-old mare came into this race after posting a 22-1 upset win in the Abigail. She’s finished second or better in 10 of her 20 starts. 

          Mask Mandate, the winner of the Governor’s Cup Derby last year, finished third and was followed across the wire by 2023 All American Futurity finalist Cuz Lightyear, Kevins Wise Corona, Sneaky Kid, Special Two Corona, One Sweet Duck, and Rs Shere Khan.

July 6, 2025 – LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA
Weetona Stanley and Dunn Ranch’s Stanley Cartel flew from post number four and sailed to victory from there, posting a 1 ¼ length over London Toby and Shakers No Secret to win  the Grade 1, $134,700 Vessels Maturity on Sunday at Los Alamitos. 

          The Stanley-bred runner has been close to Grade 1 glory in the past, but after qualifying to the Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity he did not race in the final. He then improved his career record to five wins in as many starts when qualifying to the Grade 1 Los Alamitos Super Derby, but he never got going after some trouble at the start and ended up finishing eight. Stanley Cartel began to make amends in the Grade 2 Southern California Derby, as he posted a wire-to-wire victory while taking his record to an impressive seven wins from his first eight starts. 

Now trained by Ramiro Castillo and ridden by Armando Cervantes, Stanley Cartel finished second to Kevins Wise Corona in his 2025 debut in the Grade 3 Kaweah Bar Handicap. His connections, however, felt that was the effort that Stanley Cartel needed to get him ready for the Vessels Maturity. 

“Last time when he ran (in the Kaweah Bar) he was rusty a little bit and we didn’t a good work on him to make him ready for the race,” Castillo said. “That kind of made him run a little short. This time we had him set up with a race and he was ready. He changed a lot from that race to this one. We had the time; we put in a lot of time and he’s a good horse. He’s a kind horse.”    

Stanley Cartel earned $57,248 for the win to take his career earnings to $217,406. After covering the 400-yard distance in :19.488, the colt by PYC Paint Your Wagon has now won eight of 10 career starts. 

Castillo, 52, was picking up his first Grade 1 victory. He arrived at Los Alamitos in 1992 and went to work for Rodney Hart. He also spent several years working with trainer Dean Frey before working for Monty Arrossa since 2016. 

“I was done with school already,” Castillo said. “Rodney helped get me my license. I tried to ride but, nah,” he added with a smile. “I worked for Dean for a long time.”

From assistant to leading man in the barn has brought a lot of responsibilities for Castillo and winning a major race like the Vessels Maturity certainly made a big impression on the trainer.

“I was really nervous before the race because I knew that there were some tough horses, but it means a lot to me,” Castillo said.  

The Vessels Maturity has a presumptive berth to the Grade 1 Champion of Champions to be held on Saturday, December 13 here.   

          Ed Allred’s London Toby and Abel Lopez, Ethan Lopez and Manny Dutchover’s Shakers No Secret finished in a dead-heat for second place. They each won $20,205. Gabriel Lara rode the Allred-bred London Toby for trainer Scott Willoughby, while Christian Ramos piloted Shakers No Secret for trainer Marc Jungers. Ramos was recently named AQHA champion jockey for 2024, while Jungers was named last year’s AQHA champion trainer.

          Edberg Verde, Jess Being A Friend, Up For Everything, and Rayenare completed the field. Relentless Eagle, the 2024 AQHA champion 3-year-old gelding, was scratched from the race.

Today, Gillespie County Fair cancelled all races due to weather conditions while two racetracks hosted exciting Stakes Races!
Here’s a quick look at the winners. Be sure to check back for our complete and detailed Stakes Results!

July 5, 2025 – LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA
Travis and Wendy Sexton’s El Dictator improved to perfect two for two to start his racing career while posting the fastest qualifying time to the Governor’s Cup Futurity on Saturday at Los Alamitos. 

Thirty-four juveniles competed in the 350-yard trials with the horses with the 10 fastest times moving on to the Saturday, July 26 final to be held on California Breeders Champions Night. El Dictator held absolute power in the opening trial, as he opened with a daylight advantage after the start before cruising home to a ¾ length victory. 

Ridden by Armando Cervantes for trainer Ramiro Castillo, El Dictator covered the distance in :17.654, faster than a pair of Mike Casselman-trainees who also posted trial victories, Mayor Humdinger and Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity runner-up French Valley. El Dictator entered the trials after winning his racing debut by ¾ lengths on June 21.

“We’ve been in racing pretty much our whole life,” said Travis Sexton of Idaho Falls. “We keep buying horses at sales and keep running them and trying to get a better one. Midnight Mood last year qualified to a couple of big races so that was special.”  

“This has been a dream of ours for a long time, to have horses race (at Los Alamitos),” Wendy Sexton added. 

Jaime Gomez bred El Dictator, a gelding by Favorite Cartel out of This Boogie Fires, making him a half-brother to the champion and millionaire J Fire Up, the winner of the 2017 Governor’s Cup Futurity. The Sextons purchased El Dictator for $77,000 at the Heritage Place September Sale. 

Casselman bred, owns and trains Mayor Humdinger, a half-brother to his homebred You See That, who won the 2023 Governor’s Cup Futurity for Casselman. A gelding by Mpshinning out of Mindys Favorite, Mayor Humdinger won his trial by a nose over Hidden Speed to give him the second fastest time of :17.721. Cesar Franco piloted the winner of two of three starts.  

“(Mindys Favorite) has been a good mare for us,” Casselman said. “Everything that she’s had has tried to run a bit. He’s a real neat horse, a lot fun to train.”

Casselman also saddled Steve Burns’ French Valley, who led the Ed Burke for most of the way before settling for second behind EG High Desert Farms’ Jess Im Worth It. Also ridden by Cesar Franco, French Valley has won two of her four career starts.

“She just seems like she’s getting better and seems to be really enjoying her job,” the trainer said. “I’m happy with her.”

Sired by Favorite Cartel and out of Attack The Cartel, French Valley is a full sister to AQHA champion and 2023 Los Alamitos Two Million Futurity winner Trane Station V. French Valley covered the distance in :17.740 to give her the fourth fastest qualifying time. 

  Burns in partnership with Jose Flores, Gerardo Herrera, and Javier Alvarez also owns Brother Ray, who outdueled Ed Allred’s Next Norco to win the final trial of the night in the eighth fastest qualifying time of :17.826. Brother Ray has now won back-to-back futurity trial races, as he also posted a ½ length victory in a trial to the Ed Burke Million. Burns and Casselman also teamed up with seventh fastest qualifier Bear Down, who was third to El Dictator in the fastest trial of the night. 

Allred had a trio of second place finishers in these trials in Hidden Speed, Hurry Up, and Next Norco, but all three of them advanced to the futurity final. Eduardo Nicasio piloted Hidden Speed for trainer James Glenn, Jr. to the third fastest qualifying time, while Scott Willoughby conditions Hurry Up and Next Norco. 

The complete list of qualifiers is as follows: El Dictator (:17.654), Mayor Humdinger (:17.721), Hidden Speed (:17.729), French Valley (:17.74), Fancy Upp (:17.741), Hurry Up (:17.804), Bear Down (:17.805), Brother Ray (:17.826), Slatedtoshine (:17.862) and Next Norco (:17.863).

Two racetracks hosted thrilling Stakes Races today! Here’s a sneak peek at the winners. Stay tuned for the full Stakes Results coming soon!

July 5, 2025 – (Ruidoso Downs, NM)
Trainer Tony Sedillo qualified four quarter horses to the $200,000 Zia Derby Saturday at Ruidoso Downs Racetrack. The veteran trainer qualified Boot Scoots, Eye Im Flashin, Woody Rocks and Alamos to the July 19^th final.

Boot Scoots covered the 400-yards in the fastest time of the day by winning the fourth trial in 19.604 seconds. With jockey Salcedo Mauro on board, the gelding won by three-quarters of a length for CHR Racing and Juan Ramos. Boot Scoots is sired by Jess A Chicks out of the mare Shez Jessa Scooter by Heza Motor Scooter.

(Ruidoso Downs, NM) King Estate, a two-year-old New Mexico-bred gelding, raced away from the field to win the third trial and qualify for the $370,000 Zia Futurity at Ruidoso Downs.

Jockey Jesse Levario rode King Estate to a five-and-a-half length victory in a time of 19.484 seconds for 400-yards. The gelding is owned by Eric Pineda and trained by Ricardo Armendariz Jr.

King Estate’s sire is Eye Am King out of the mare Curlie Cue by First Down Dash, winning for the first time and paying $6.80, $3.20 and $2.20.

July 5, 2025 – LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA
Sisi, a 14-year-old dachshund from Seal Beach, is this year’s Senior AmbassaDOG for the 2025 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals to be held at Los Alamitos Race Course starting at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 12. There will be a total of 14 doxie races with the championship race to be contested at 9:15 p.m.                                  

Sisi will lead the pack in the Long In the Tail division — a special race for dachshunds aged six and older — bringing her spirit and joy to fans who have adored her for years. A total of 10 doxies will compete in the Long In the Tail race with the winner advancing to the Wiener Nationals Championship race to also be held on July 12.                                                                         

Sisi’s journey is one of second chances and unconditional love. “Sisi was 8 about to turn 9 when we got her,” shared her mom, Kiley Majeski. “One of my softball students messaged me during the pandemic and said, ‘There is a weenie dog that needs a home, do you want her?’ Sisi’s original owners had surrendered her, and she was living at an animal hospital before we brought her to her new home.”                         

Since then, Sisi has become the heart of Kiley’s family. “She’s changed my life a great deal. Having a senior dog reminds me not to take any days for granted and to enjoy the moment I’m in,” Kiley reflected. “Sisi has taught me to live in the now and appreciate every moment. Even on the hard days, I remind myself how lucky I am she’s here with me.”                                                   

Fans of Sisi know she’s living the dream: “She is literally living her best years and life really does revolve around Sisi!” Kiley laughed. “She goes on vacations, has weekend adventures, gets handmade meals, and is never short of an extra treat!”                                                                                                

Her involvement in the Wiener Nationals was a longtime goal. “I was a huge fan of the race before ever having a dachshund,” said Kiley. “I attended nearly every year, dreaming of being in the race with my own Doxie. So, when we got Sisi in May 2020, I hoped she might be able to race.” Now entering her third year at the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, Sisi may not have claimed the grand prize, but she’s captured the hearts of countless fans. Orlando Gutierrez, Marketing Director at Los Alamitos Race Course, shared, “Sisi is truly a huge crowd favorite — she shows up with her own fan club that gets so excited to cheer her on. We’re thrilled to have her join us again this year. But beyond Sisi, we want to celebrate all doxies — we don’t want to exclude any from the fun. The Wiener Nationals are all about bringing people and their pups together for an unforgettable day.”

Kiley hopes Sisi’s story inspires other senior dog parents: “My message is simple: never take your time for granted. Senior dogs are still full of love and joy, even if they don’t run or hike like they once did. Every kiss, every snuggle, every treat — appreciate those moments. Realize how lucky you are to have that little frosty face looking up at you with loving eyes, because the one thing we never get enough of as dog owners is time.”                   

Sisi is one 98 doxies vying for the title of Fastest Wiener in the West, a Wienerschnitzel doghouse and a cash price of $1000 for the paw-rents to be used exclusively for treats.                                                  

VIP seating to enjoy the event is available by calling 714-820-2681.  General Admission tickets on the day of the event at Los Alamitos are $3 per person. Children 17 and under are admitted free. Los Alamitos Race Course features free general parking.                                                                                  

For more information on the 28th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals please visit or call 714-820-2690.

July 5, 2025 – LOS ALAMITOS RACE COURSE, CYPRESS, CA
A decorated group headed by multiple graded futurity winner Up To Party, Governor’s Cup Futurity Favorite Jesshawk, and graded stakes finalists Call Her Perfect, Walking Tool, Defending Champ and Party Time Tom were among the top runners to qualify to the Governor’s Cup Derby on Saturday at Los Alamitos.

Ten sophomores qualified to the 400-yard derby, which will be run on California Breeders Champions Night on Saturday, July 26.

Dunn Ranch’s Up To Party, winner of the Grade 1 Ed Burke Million Futurity and Grade 2 PCQHRA Breeders Futurity, posted the fastest time of :19.715 after winning the opening trial in :19.715. Ridden by Armando Cervantes for trainer Ramiro Castillo, Up To Party took the lead shortly after the start and inch farther ahead with each stride before crossing the finish line ½ length in front of EG High Desert Farms’ Favorite Jesshawk. A filly by Kiddy Up out of the Grade 1 winner The Partys On Fire, Up To Party improved to six wins in nine career starts. Ed Allred bred the career earner of $548,650.

Ridden by Ricardo Ramirez for trainer Jesus Nunez, Favorite Jesshawk finished with the second fastest time of :19.786 and will now look to sweep the Governor’s Cup series after winning the futurity last year. 

EG High Desert Farms has won the Governor’s Cup Futurity twice before with Magic Show Czech and Favorite Jesshawk and the Derby twice as well with Magic N Rhythm and Unclaimed Dividend. Favorite Jesshawk could give his owners a magic double while becoming only the ninth horse to sweep the Governor’s Cup series and the first to do it since Powerful Favorite in 2018-19. 

Allred’s Defending Champ won the other trial in what has become his trademark style, a solid start, a push the pedal at the midway point, and scintillating closing move to the wire. The Burns-bred gelding by Favorite Cartel out of Eagle On The Fly caught Party Time Tom, who is Up To Party’s full brother, in the final 50 yards to win by a neck in a time of :19.812, the third fastest of the night. Lara rode the winner for Willoughby.

“He got away from the gate solid, but he was still fourth, fifth there,” Willoughby said. “He really finished strong. He needed the race; it’s been quite a while since he had raced. I think this will set him well for the final. He was so big as a 2-year-old and we tried to get him ready for the (Los Alamitos Two Million) after we had turned him out. It just didn’t quite work out. He was close. He’s turned into a monster 3-year-old. He should be good all year. Those 400 yards have been difference for him.”

The complete list of derby qualifiers is as follows: Up To Party (:19.715), Favorite Jesshawk (:19.786), Defending Champ (:19.812), Call Her Perfect (:19.835), Party Time Tom (:19.852), Its On You (:19.901), Walking Tool (:19.962), Snow Bound (:20.078), Back At It (:20.118), and Personal Attack (:20.0137).

Today, Retama Park cancelled all races due to weather conditions while three racetracks hosted exciting Stakes Races!
Here’s a quick look at the winners. Be sure to check back for our complete and detailed Stakes Results!

FORTUNE SEIS ACES PULLS HUGE UPSET IN THE $130,100 FIRECRACKER FUTURITY

July 4, 2025 – VINTON, LA
An enthusiastic crowd turned out at Delta Downs on Friday night as the track hosted a special Independence Day program featuring the $263,305 Firecracker Futurity (G2) and the $130,100 Firecracker Derby (G3).

The Firecracker Futurity was won by Davsam, with jockey Juan Garcia, Jr. in the saddle for trainer Vivian Hill and owner Chance Kiehne. The victory came after Davsam posted the fastest qualifying time for the race while breaking his maiden on June 13.

Breaking from the inside post position in a field of 10, Davsam broke behind the early leaders Swing Time and San Lorenzo Knockout. With 100 yards to go in the 350-yard showdown, Davsam gained momentum before collaring the leaders and driving to win by a head on the finish line over runner-up Swing Time. San Lorenzo Knockout wound up another 1-3/4 lengths back in third.

Davsam covered the distance over a fast track in a time of 17.619 seconds, which was faster than the 3-year-old ran in the Firecracker Derby just two races earlier. The clocking by Davsam equaled a speed index of 95.

Davsam earned $131,652 for the Firecracker Futurity win and now owns a bankroll of $155,054.

Bred in Oklahoma by Paul Tonderum, Davsam is a 2-year-old bay colt by Apollitical Jess, out of the Corona Cartel mare Little Kool Corona. He was purchased for $45,000 at the 2024 Heritage Place September Yearling Sale.

Sent to the gate as the wagering favorite, Davsam paid $3.80 to win, $2.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Swing Time returned $5.20 to place and $5 to show. San Lorenzo Knockout was worth $6.80 to show.

There was a huge upset in the Firecracker Derby as 41-1 longshot Fortune Seis Aces ($84.60) edged out a fast-closing Flyin Chilitos by a head and get the win with jockey Noe Castaneda in the saddle for trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. and owner Fortune Seis Aces Venture (Riley Blanchet). Mark 536 finished third, another head behind the runner-up. The 350-yard running time for the winner was 17.712 (92 SI) seconds for 350 yards.

Fortune Seis Aces finished second in his Firecracker Derby trial breaking from an outside post position. On Friday night he started his winning run from the rail post and used a lightning quick start to garner the lead. Midway through the race he enjoyed a commanding lead before Flying Chilitos surged in the final strides to make it close. The win was only the second of Fortune Seis Aces’ career and he earned $65,050 for the tally. His lifetime bankroll now stands at $79,990.

Bred in Oklahoma by RJ Ranch, LLC, Fortune Seis Aces is a 3-year-old bay gelding by Tres Seis, out of the Carters Cartel mare Cartels Fortune.

For more information about the season, visit the track’s website at www.deltadownsracing.com.

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.

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Friday, July 4, 2025) – A competitive field of seven older Quarter Horses lined up in the gate for the $35,000-added Easys Night Beat Overnight Stakes. One horse stood out at the end as Streakindownthebeach and Eduardo Luna turned in an impressive performance to score the victory in a time of :17.512 for the 350-yard dash.

Streakindownthebeach came away from the gate well in post one and was a threat from the start. Jess A Flyin Train and older Diaz brother Edgar were holding their own from the center of the track with late closers getting in gear midway through the lane.

Streakindownthebeach had one final surge that got him to the finish line first over Jess a Flyin Train, giving younger brother Eduardo some bragging rights over Edgar. Cisco Beach and Daniel Martinez finished third. Less than two lengths separated the top six in the field.

Streakindownthebeach was the favorite from the Tim Eggleston barn, paying $2.80 to his supporters. The Habits Secret five-year-old is owned by Buddy Presley. Edward Pennington bred the gelding, who brought $26,750 through the QHRAI Speed Sale as a yearling. Although he’s hit the board in many of his stakes events, the win in the Easy’s Night Beat was his first stakes victory.

“”Everybody needs a Streakindownthebeach in their barn,” noted Eggleston, who leads all Quarter Horse trainers in the standings for 2025. He’s honest as the day is long. Breaks, runs, and if he has a bad day, you smile and go on. But he doesn’t have many of those.”

Streakindownthebeach earned his sixth career win in the Easy’s Night Beat Overnight Stakes. Overall, he now has more than $175,000 on his card.

“He wins with his try and intelligence, and he loves the game,” continued Eggleston. “He loves being a racehorse. He breaks to the front and goes. He likes to train lightly. We pony him easy during the week. And maybe ride him once a week. But other than that, he likes to stay happy. He keeps himself fit and happy.”

Eggleston noted the accomplished sprinter hasn’t always been the best horse to work with. 

“He was a little bit of a challenge when he was a two-year-old,” said Eggleston. “He was just a little scared, waspy, and a little wild but he’s gotten older and just settled in. He’s really come around and been a great horse. I’m very, very proud of him.”

Streakindownthebeach comes by his talent honestly. His dam, Beach Runner, is a former stakes winner in Indiana as well as his sire, Habits Secret, who was the state’s Quarter Horse Stallion of the Year last season.

“His mother is by Indiana Leading sire Escondido Beach, and then he’s sired by Habit’s Secret, so he’s got two of the best studs in Indiana in his pedigree,” noted Eggleston. 

The race is named in honor of the first pari-mutuel Quarter Horse winner in the state of Indiana, Easys Night Beat. The two-year-old in 1997 won the inaugural running of the Governor’s Stake with Carter Riley aboard for owners Mike and Mary Jo Renihan. 

The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.

Retama Park hosted a thrilling Stakes Race today! Here’s a sneak peek at the winner. Stay tuned for the full Stakes Results coming soon!

Retama Park
WINNER of the 2025 Selma Stakes
AS MOONFLASH (#6)
f. (First Moonflash-As and Js, Apollitical Jess)
Breeder: Leonardo Alcala
Owner: Marisol Alvarado
Trainer: Cristian Alcala
Jockey: Nestor Duran
Remaining Order of Finish: First Time for Wine (#5), Ladys Gotta Jet (#1), Jeg Fascination (#10), Trixiee (#8), Jess Louisiana Girl (#3), Shez Flyn (#2), You Look Famous (#7), Zsuzannah (#9), Rustys Cowgirl (#4)
©Jack Coady Photography