'Jump' Newsletter - Edition 13
Hurricana Farm's Merry Makers pulls 16-1 stunner; Kingsley runs first, second, and third; Hendriks earns first Grade 1
Welcome to the Thirteenth edition of 'Jump.'
The summer racing season might be drawing to a close, but the competition for the coveted Eclipse Award is just heating up. It's anyone's game with four Grade 1 races in the books and four different winners.
The Eclipse Award, named after the 18th-century British racehorse, Eclipse, is an American Thoroughbred horse racing award that recognizes outstanding achievements in the field. The award is eagerly contested yearly, with the winner earning a place in horse racing history.
This year, the race for the Eclipse Award will come down to the Grand National at Far Hills in October. The suspense is building as we wait to see if any of the four previous Grade 1 winners can clinch the $250,000 first prize and, ultimately, walk away with the Eclipse Award.
Rumors are already swirling about potential contenders. Word from Ireland is that Hewick will be crossing the pond to defend his title. And as the month progresses, we expect to hear more about other European stars who will be penciled in to make the trip.
As a certified Snap Decision cheerleader, I'm rooting for the veteran campaigner. Despite carrying 20 pounds more than most of his rivals in the Lonesome Glory, he was still in contention, jumping the final fence. He'll be fresh for the National and will carry level weights. Could this finally be the year for the old man to be finally crowned champion?
Riders Up!
Steve Coxon - USASteeplechase
In Case You Missed It: This Week's Top 4 USA Jump Racing Stories
Contents
Trainers - Kingsley runs first, second, and third in the Lonesome Glory
Jockeys - Parker Hendriks wins his first ever Grade 1
Fall Meets - Save the Date: Experience the Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs on September 30th, 2023
Summer Trainer Standings - Murphy, Morris, and Kingsley Jr. top the Summer Standings
“The ‘Jump newsletter’ is an absolute boon to me. Now domiciled in the UK, it keeps me updated on US jump racing. Thank you.” - Barbara Shaw (Facebook)
Kingsley runs first, second, and third!
By Tod Marks
Hurricana Farm's Merry Makers pulls 16-1 stunner; Kingsley runs first, second, and third; Hendriks earns first Grade 1
Thursday’s Grade 1 $150,000 Lonesome Glory stakes, which kicked off the Belmont at Aqueduct fall meet, was chock full of enough storylines to fill any highlight reel.
With Bruton Street-US’ Snap Decision coming off a five-month rest, punters bet down the multiple Grade 1 winner of more than $700,000 over hurdles, to 1-2, despite carrying 162 pounds and giving away 20 to 22 pounds to his less-accomplished rivals.
As is often his custom, Snap Decision, with regular rider Graham Watters aboard, went for the lead early, saved ground on the inside, and maintained the advantage for most of the 2 ½ miles of the race. He was pressed but never headed by USA Steeplechase’s 21-1 longshot Restitution, with Bernie Dalton aboard, who eventually faded and was eased.
Meanwhile, the rest of the field followed the leaders and there was little change in position throughout most of the going, with Hudson River Farms’ L’Imperator (Stephen Mulqueen) and Richard Colton and Stella Thayer’s Barbados (Gerard Galligan) in closest pursuit. Both are also trained by Kingsley. Heading around the course the second time, Snap Decision continued to look strong, jumping fluidly, and holding his six adversaries at bay.
As the Phipps-bred nine-year-old star, trained by Hall of Famer Jack Fisher, led into and around the far turn the final time, he still appeared in control, opening up by almost two lengths at one point. But that’s when the others began to make their move. Near the top of the stretch, L’Imperator was the first to strike, angling to Snap Decision’s outside and narrowing the gap. Snap’s Bruton Street stablemate Proven Innocent made a brief move under Tom Garner, but quickly gave way. The biggest threat, however, came from Merry Maker, a six-year-old Irish-bred son on Malinas, who unfurled his bid on the turn, swung seven wide into the stretch, and gobbled up ground quickest of all. Snap Decision hung in gallantly until mid stretch when L’Imperator, under brisk urging from Mulqueen, took command, but was unable to hold off the harder-charging Merry Maker. The margin of victory was a half length, with Barbados flying past a tiring Snap Decision to secure the show spot, 5 ½ lengths behind L’Imperator.
For Merry Maker, who began his racing career at Great Meadow less than two years ago, it was his first stakes win in seven starts. Though he wasn’t a factor in either of his first two stakes starts, in the Jonathan Kiser and G1 Jonathan Sheppard, both at Saratoga, he showed grit and gained experience against more seasoned foes.
If all goes well, Kingsley said, Merry Maker – along with his other Lonesome Glory runners plus Cibolian, who was a scratch – could make his next start in the American Grand National at Far Hills. It’s a race that’s likely to produce this year’s Eclipse Award winner since a different horse has captured each of the season’s four Grade 1s to date.
More photos at www.todmarks.photoshelter.com
Parker Hendriks earns his first Grade 1 Victory!
By Temple Gwathmey Steeplechase Foundation
Photo by Tod Marks
For Jockey Parker Hendriks, who won the National Steeplechase Association riding title last year, 2023 hasn’t been as kind. Besides having to recover from a severe concussion around three months ago, he hadn’t won a race since the Queen’s Cup on April 29. The Lonesome Glory was just his third victory of the season. But being the first Grade 1 of his young career, it was by far the most significant.
Afterward, Hendriks was interviewed by the NYRA Press Office and had this to say: “It’s been hard this summer, and I’ve been really working with a lot of different people to get my confidence back. It was pretty shattered after that fall, but Arch just filled me with confidence in this guy and said, ‘He’s going to run a big one, I promise you.’ So I just rode him like he said and rode him like a good horse, and he was.”
Save the Date: Experience the Legacy Chase at Shawan Downs on September 30th, 2023
By USASteeplechase
The much-anticipated Shawan Downs Fall Jump season will kick off on September 30th, 2023. Shawan Downs, nestled in the heart of Hunt Valley, Maryland, is a premier equestrian center that was once part of a large working farm. Today, it is a testament to the region's rich historical and agricultural heritage while providing high-quality entertainment.
The highlight of the race day is the Legacy Chase. Gates opening at 10:00 AM. The first race will begin at 12:30 PM, and the gates will finally close at 6:00 PM.
New for this year is the Atlas Restaurant Group VIP tent featuring railside race viewing, fabulous food, and an open bar. They will also have a kids zone with a petting zoo, face painting, and many fun activities for the littlest racing fans. There is the vendor village, food trucks, and Paddock and Skybox bars for the adults.
This year's Legacy Chase promises to be an exciting affair for both new and returning patrons. So mark your calendars and get your tickets ready for Maryland's premier Steeplechase event of the Fall.
Summer Trainer Standings
By USASteeplechase
The summer Jump Racing season has drawn to a close, leaving a trail of thrilling victories and memorable performances in its wake. Three trainers, in particular, have emerged from this season with gleaming records – each clinching four wins.
Cyril Murphy was the talk of the season, winning four races with just six runners. His standout victory was in the Grade 1 AP Smithwick with Belfast Banter (IRE).
Arch Kingsley Jr. didn't fall far behind. He secured his place in the spotlight by taking down the coveted Grade 1 Lonesome Glory with Merry Maker (IRE). Neil Morris, matching Kingsley and Murphy stride for stride, ended the season in a tie with four winners.
Jack Fisher also made a significant impact this season. He secured two wins, including the Grade 1 Jonathon Sheppard with Awakened. Richard Valentine, though having fewer starts, made every opportunity count by achieving two wins from only three starts. His performance was a testament to the adage 'quality over quantity.'
As we wave goodbye to the summer Jump Racing season, our eyes are now set on the upcoming fall season. The question on everyone's mind is whether anyone can catch Leslie Young, who still stands atop the overall trainers, standing with an outstanding record of 22 wins.
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Steve
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