'Jump' - Old Dominion Hounds Recap, Parker Hendriks with a remarkable double! + Iroquois Introduces Grooms Bonuses.
'Jump' - Old Dominion Hounds Recap, Parker Hendriks with a remarkable double! + Iroquois Introduces Grooms Bonuses.
Sunday April 7th, Edition #24
In Case You Missed It: This Weekends Top 5 USA Jump Racing Stories
Contents
Weekend Review - Old Dominion Hounds Recap by Tod Marks
Saturday’s Results - The Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point
NSA Standings - Parker Hendriks with a remarkable double!
Iroquois Steeplechase - May 11th - Iroquois Introduces Grooms Bonuses
Willowdale Steeplechase - May 11th - Willowdale Tailgate Contests
“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)
The Old Dominion Recap
By Tod Marks
PICTURED: File photo of Lap of the Gods and Parker Hendriks (right) and Queens Empire and Graham Watters at the 2023 Virginia Fall Fair Hill Races
Watters, Lap of the Gods takes timber allowance
Parker Hendriks, who captured the first of three NSA sanctioned contests at Ben Venue, then missed a golden chance when his mount fell on the lead at the last fence in the second race, lost the opportunity to make it two for three when he had to take off his Lap of the Gods, who put in a late run to take the $20,000 timber finale at 3 miles.
But Lap of the Gods, who Hendriks also trains for owner Stewart Strawbridge, was in good hands under two-time leading NSA rider Graham Watters.
Sitting patiently in second (of four starters) behind Armata Stable's Fashion Line (Conor Tierney) early in the 3-mile event over 18 wooden fences, Watters and Lap of the Gods eased back to third behind Irv Naylor's Family Tree (Harry Beswick) as the quartet began the second circuit of the course. Still running easily alongside Stooshie, a second Naylor runner, Lap of the Gods and the two others remained in striking distance of Fashion Line, whose lead began to shrink the third time around the undulating course.
The lead evaporated entirely when Fashion Line bobbled and lost his rider just past the 14th fence, giving Family Tree a one-length advantage over Lap of the Gods, who was looming ominously on the outside. Lap of the Gods had all the momentum heading to the 18th and final fence, when he accelerated and extended his advantage to about four lengths at the wire. Stooshie was third.
Love Saga outfinishes Camcha to take filly & mare hurdle
Ivy Hill Stable's Love Saga had the lead, relinquished it, and fought back to repel Greg Hawkins' Camcha in the $30,000 filly & mare hurdle at 2 miles over 11 fences.
Trained and ridden by Sean McDermott, Love Saga, a Maryland-bred five-year-old, was making just her third start over jumps. As soon as the flag dropped, Camcha and jockey Gerard Galligan burst to the front, with Potter Group USA and Ashwell Stable's Fox in the Park, and Love Saga in close pursuit. There was little change in position until the beginning of the second circuit around the course when McDermott nudge his mount to the front. At about the same time, Camcha hooked the leader and as the two battled, Rolling Tide's Easy Squeeze made her move. It was still anyone's race at the second to last fence and as the field move over the final jump, Easy Squeeze, with Parker Hendriks, made a bold bid for the lead on the outside, briefly taking charge until falling. Love Saga, on the far inside, avoided traffic, as did Camcha and the two dueled to the wire with Love Saga scoring by a length. Michael Smith's Split in Two (Jamie Bargary) was third. Both horse and rider were up after the spill.
Late surge propels Hold Hard to maiden victory
Rolling Tide's Hold Hard came on with a burst in deep stretch to overtake Runnymoore Racing's Clifton Down and land the $30,000 opener at Ben Venue Farm in Washington, Va. by a half length.
With Parker Hendriks riding for trainer Doug Fout, Hold Hard sat in second in the field of 10 for most of the 2-mile race, never more than about four lengths behind the Clifton Down and jockey Jamie Bargary. Clifton Down still maintained a comfortable adantage heading over the 11th and final fence, and that's when Hendriks quickly swung to his inside, moved alongside Clifton Down and edged clear. Irv Naylor's Travesuras, under Gerard Galligan, was well-placed throughout and got the show spot.
The Irish-bred five-year-old winner was making only his fifth career start and fourth over jumps since launching his career last August.
PICTURED: File photo of Hold Hard and Parker Hendriks at Shawan Downs in September.
Saturday’s Results at The Old Dominion Hounds Point to Point
At the Old Dominion Point To Point, a rare feat occurred as two races were won by individuals who both rode and trained their horses, Parker Hendriks and Sean McDermott. McDermott achieved victory with Love Saga in the second race. However, Hendriks outdid this by riding the winner of the first race and training the winner of the third, marking a rare and impressive accomplishment.
NSA Standings
2022's champion jockey, Parker Hendriks, is back in the spotlight with four wins, and impressively, he's also among the top four trainers in terms of prize money. Meanwhile, Arch Kingsley leads the trainers' award with three early-season victories.
Iroquois Steeplechase
Jessica McCabe kisses West Newton in paddock - Tod Marks
Iroquois Steeplechase Introduces Grooms Bonuses
Committed to ensuring all involved within the horse racing industry are recognized for their steadfast work, the Iroquois Steeplechase is thrilled to announce the introduction of the Groom’s Bonuses for the first-place winner of every race. A $1,000 bonus will be awarded for the Iroquois Steeplechase and a $500 bonus for all other races at the race meet.
In the equine industry, Grooms are the foundation of support and training, ensuring the well-being and care of our racehorses. These individuals possess unwavering dedication and trustworthiness and receive deep respect from peers, trainers, owners, and especially the horses they tend to, making them a crucial part of the horse racing process.
When speaking with Don and Sara Jo Gill, the sponsors of this new bonus, they informed us why the Grooms are so important to them. “It’s our way of saying thank you and acknowledging the hard work and passion that Grooms bring to our beloved sport,” said Don Gill. “Without them, we would be at a significant disadvantage and would not be able to properly care for the horses.”
Sara Jo Gill is the daughter of the late Steeplechase owner Calvin Houghland and has been emersed in horse racing since a very young age. She has served as the honorary co-chair in the 2010 and 2019 Steeplechase events and was the first female Steeplechase Trustee.
“The Iroquois Steeplechase has branded itself as one of the greatest horse racing events in the equine industry, and we are honored to be a part of something so special,” said Sara Jo Gill. “We are thankful for everyone who contributes to this wonderful race and are very optimistic and delighted for this year’s Steeplechase.”
The 2024 Iroquois Steeplechase will run on May 11th, 2024, at Percy Warner Park in Nashville, Tennessee. Steeplechase is run by the 501c3 organization, the Volunteer State Horsemen’s Foundation (VSHF). Through the VSHF, the Steeplechase gives back to many charitable organizations throughout the community, with its biggest beneficiaries being the Monroe Carrell Jr. Children’s Hospital, Friends of Warner Parks, and The Foundation for the Horse. The Steeplechase attracts around 25,000 racegoers annually and is a top destination for the best horses and riders in the world.
Click Here For More Information on Iroquois Steeplechase
Willowdale Steeplechase
The Tradition Continues, Willowdale Steeplechase
Tailgate Contests – Willowdale Steeplechase May 11th
On May 11th, Willowdale Steeplechase invites tailgate enthusiasts to participate in their themed contest, offering two distinctive options: "Ken & Barbie Go to the Races" or "Downton Abbey." The former injects a playful twist into the traditional event, promising vibrant colors and whimsical creations, while the latter stays true to the classic elegance associated with steeplechase racing. With judges awarding prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each category, participants can unleash their creativity and showcase their unique interpretations. Beyond the competition, these themes foster not only friendly rivalry but also a shared sense of camaraderie and lighthearted enjoyment for all involved. We invite you to enter either category by purchasing a tailgate at willowdale.org for the May 11th race Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend and by calling 610.444.1582 to enter the tailgate contest. When calling please mention your name, tailgate number and your phone number. All participants will receive a window of time for judging their tailgate. Fun times at the Willowdale Steeplechase!
Tickets: willowdale.org
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