Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino
Sunday, April 12, 2009
First Moonflash smashes world record in $115,740 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge
Gbh Steppin Johnny wins $299,305 New Mexican Spring Futurity
First Moonflash demolished the 440 yard world record with a smashing 3-length win in the $115,740 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.
The four-year-old dynamo won his seventh race in a row and stopped the clock in a record setting 20.274 seconds, besting his former world and track record of 20.685 seconds. First Moonflash earned a 122 speed index and set a lofty benchmark in the history of Quarter Horse racing. He is a cinch for Quarter Horse of the Meet honors and deserves the title of world’s fastest Quarter Horse.
Under jockey Alejandro Medellin, First Moonflash rocketed to the front and never looked back. He charged through the stretch well clear of his rivals. The First To Flash colt completed a stellar Sunland Park campaign with wins the $400,000 Championship at Sunland Park, the $125,000 Jess Burner Memorial and the $100,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap. He currently holds the world records for 350, 400 and 440 yards.
The winner picked up a $53,240 paycheck for owners Pierre and Leslie Amestoy and Maria G. Gonzalez. He earned an automatic berth for the Challenge Championship at Los Alamitos on Oct. 31 and next season’s Championship at Sunland Park. Overall, First Moonflash has compiled earnings of nearly $600,000 from 10 career wins.
Pierre Amestoy said in the winner’s circle, “What a fantastic race. What a fantastic horse! He’s been a dream for us. We plan on giving him a little rest and plan for a fall/winter season. We’re considering either the Challenge Championship or the Champion of Champions. He’s the fastest horse in the world.”
Jose R. Gonzalez, Jr. is the winning trainer.
Head Bud nosed out both Here to Entertain and Heavenly Trip for second place honors.
Gbh Steppin Johnny blasted away to a three-quarter length victory in the $299,305 New Mexican Spring Futurity at 300 yards.
The two-year-old Southern Cartel gelding remained unbeaten in three starts despite a fractious episode in the gate. The 6-5 favorite recovered well enough to break on top under jockey Nate Smith. The 7-5 favorite took a stranglehold of the lead midway home and finished full of energy to win impressively. The winning time was 14.838 seconds, good for a 103 speed index.
Gbh Steppin Johnny collected a hefty first prize check worth $140,673 for winning owners Gary Hartstack and B & B Electric of Bryan, Texas. The sensational freshman has reeled off three victories including his maiden debut on March 1.
Jackie Riddle trains the stakes winning New Mexico-bred.
Mr Regard finished willingly in second place with jockey Tony Guymon. The runner-up trained by Juan Gonzalez earned $53,875 for the K H Logax, Inc.
Kate of Spades and jockey Freddie Martinez closed well to get third. The Blane Wood trainee earned $32,924. Captain Jacksboro finished a nose back in fourth.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:55 p.m. Only five racing days remain in the live season which wraps on Tuesday, April 21.
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
First Moonflash smashes world record in $115,740 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge
Gbh Steppin Johnny wins $299,305 New Mexican Spring Futurity
First Moonflash demolished the 440 yard world record with a smashing 3-length win in the $115,740 Bank of America New Mexico Challenge at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino on Sunday.
The four-year-old dynamo won his seventh race in a row and stopped the clock in a record setting 20.274 seconds, besting his former world and track record of 20.685 seconds. First Moonflash earned a 122 speed index and set a lofty benchmark in the history of Quarter Horse racing. He is a cinch for Quarter Horse of the Meet honors and deserves the title of world’s fastest Quarter Horse.
Under jockey Alejandro Medellin, First Moonflash rocketed to the front and never looked back. He charged through the stretch well clear of his rivals. The First To Flash colt completed a stellar Sunland Park campaign with wins the $400,000 Championship at Sunland Park, the $125,000 Jess Burner Memorial and the $100,000 Mesilla Valley Speed Handicap. He currently holds the world records for 350, 400 and 440 yards.
The winner picked up a $53,240 paycheck for owners Pierre and Leslie Amestoy and Maria G. Gonzalez. He earned an automatic berth for the Challenge Championship at Los Alamitos on Oct. 31 and next season’s Championship at Sunland Park. Overall, First Moonflash has compiled earnings of nearly $600,000 from 10 career wins.
Pierre Amestoy said in the winner’s circle, “What a fantastic race. What a fantastic horse! He’s been a dream for us. We plan on giving him a little rest and plan for a fall/winter season. We’re considering either the Challenge Championship or the Champion of Champions. He’s the fastest horse in the world.”
Jose R. Gonzalez, Jr. is the winning trainer.
Head Bud nosed out both Here to Entertain and Heavenly Trip for second place honors.
Gbh Steppin Johnny blasted away to a three-quarter length victory in the $299,305 New Mexican Spring Futurity at 300 yards.
The two-year-old Southern Cartel gelding remained unbeaten in three starts despite a fractious episode in the gate. The 6-5 favorite recovered well enough to break on top under jockey Nate Smith. The 7-5 favorite took a stranglehold of the lead midway home and finished full of energy to win impressively. The winning time was 14.838 seconds, good for a 103 speed index.
Gbh Steppin Johnny collected a hefty first prize check worth $140,673 for winning owners Gary Hartstack and B & B Electric of Bryan, Texas. The sensational freshman has reeled off three victories including his maiden debut on March 1.
Jackie Riddle trains the stakes winning New Mexico-bred.
Mr Regard finished willingly in second place with jockey Tony Guymon. The runner-up trained by Juan Gonzalez earned $53,875 for the K H Logax, Inc.
Kate of Spades and jockey Freddie Martinez closed well to get third. The Blane Wood trainee earned $32,924. Captain Jacksboro finished a nose back in fourth.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:55 p.m. Only five racing days remain in the live season which wraps on Tuesday, April 21.
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