In a thrilling finish at Emerald Downs, Five Star General captured his second victory in the prestigious $150,000 Longacres Mile on Sunday, August 11, 2024. The 8-year-old gelding, ridden by Joe Bravo, surged past Clovisconnection in the final strides to claim victory by a head in the 89th edition of the race. Five Star General completed the mile in a time of 1:34.98 and paid $4.22, $3.18, and $2.44 to his backers.
Trained by Grant Forster for owner Ken Alhadeff of Elttaes Stable in Seattle, Five Star General added another chapter to his impressive career, joining an elite group of horses that have won the Longacres Mile twice. He now stands alongside greats like Amble In, Simply Majestic, Trooper Seven, and Stryker Phd as a two-time winner of this historic race. Remarkably, Five Star General has finished first, second, or third in the last five runnings of the Mile, solidifying his place in the race's storied history.
The victory was not easily earned. Unlike his dominant performance last year, Five Star General faced significant challenges this time around. He was five wide around the first turn, found himself uncharacteristically in sixth place on the backstretch, and had to navigate four wide on the second turn. Despite these obstacles, Five Star General mustered a powerful late surge to overtake Clovisconnection at the wire.
A Kentucky-bred son of Distorted Humor, Five Star General has now improved his record to 13 wins, 6 seconds, and 9 thirds in 39 starts, with total earnings of $902,202. Sunday's win earned him $82,500, and owner Ken Alhadeff hinted that this may be the horse's final race, potentially marking a well-deserved retirement.
Alhadeff, surrounded by family and friends, was jubilant in the winner’s circle. "The Thoroughbred is about courage, beauty, strength, and power, and the will to overcome the odds," Alhadeff said. "This horse and jockey willed this win today."
Trainer Grant Forster, who began his career at Emerald Downs, expressed his admiration for Five Star General. "I’m over the moon for Five Star General," Forster said. "He’s every trainer’s dream and has earned his place in Mile history."
Jockey Joe Bravo, who notched the 5,673rd win of his career, praised the horse's determination. "This horse is a warrior," Bravo said. "He overcame everything to win today."
Clovisconnection, who set the pace early in the race under the guidance of trainer Blaine Wright and owner-breeder William Hedrick, was narrowly defeated but put in a strong performance. The 4-year-old California-bred returned $6.36 and $4.82 for his runner-up finish, bringing his career earnings to $350,550.
Slew’s Tiz Whiz finished third after a late rally inside, paying $3.44 to show. The 6-year-old has consistently performed well in the Longacres Mile, with a win and two-thirds in the last three editions of the race.
Prince Abu Dhabi rounded out the top four, giving trainer Blaine Wright two of the top finishers. The remaining order of finish included Arma d’Oro, Phantom Ride, Muncey, Surpsinglyperfect, Giant Game, Dehshambeau, and Il Bellator. Neiman was scratched earlier in the day.