Six-year-old gelding triumphs at Rising Sun Turf Club.
In a stunning display of speed and stamina, six-year-old Spankhurst, ridden by jockey Kiran Razack, dominated the 1600-metre feature race at the Rising Sun Turf Club on February 25th. This victory marked a remarkable achievement for the horse, bred in Ontario six years ago by Kentucky's WinStar Farm, LLC, owned by Kenny Troutt.
Spankhurst, sired by Speightster and out of Pankhurst by Artie Schiller, was strategically sent on a mission for speed by Razack. The gelding surged ahead early and maintained a commanding lead to clinch the prestigious $3.75 million Jumbo Jet Open. Despite facing tough competition, including the 126-pound highweight EASY TIME, Spankhurst's exceptional performance secured him the title of the 2023 Guyana Horse of the Year.
Trained by Damian Dharamjit under the Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Committee of Nasrudeen Mohamed, Spankhurst's victory was a testament to his resilience and skill. Notably, he outpaced notable contenders like Woodbine imports Bossalina and Stolen Money, finishing ahead of them in third and fourth place, respectively.
Spankhurst's journey to victory was not without its challenges. Purchased for $5,500 at the Fasig Tipton October yearling sale in 2019 by Adam Rice, the bay gelding showcased his potential by winning a maiden special weight race at Presque Isle. Under various owners and trainers, including Gerald Bruno Jr. and Norm Casse, Spankhurst proved his mettle by securing wins at prestigious tracks like Churchill Downs, Saratoga, and beyond.
Bred from an illustrious lineage, with Speightster as his sire and Pankhurst as his dam, Spankhurst embodies the legacy of champions. Pankhurst, a Woodbine winner and half-sister to stakes winner Pro Prado, has also produced other talented winners, including the 2023 juvenile champion Guess Again. This victory at the Rising Sun Turf Club cements Spankhurst's status as a true champion in the world of horse racing.