By Graham Ross
speedy royal
express steals black Gold at fair grounds
NEW ORLEANS (Saturday, February 06, 2010) – Richard Rudolph’s Royal Express gave
trainer Spanky Broussard an early birthday present Saturday when he made the
pace throughout in the $56,400 Black Gold Stakes for 3-year-olds at five and a
half furlongs and won by three and a half lengths. The sprint, scheduled for the
Stall-Wilson turf course, was taken off the grass after a deluge of rain two
days ago in southeastern Louisiana.
Broussard, born and raised in New Orleans, will turn 69-years-old Sunday after a
distinguished training career that began in the 1960s and includes a previous
Black Gold Stakes win in 1977 with Tudor Tambourine. “That was when this race
was for older horses,” Broussard was quick to point out.
Coincidentally, Tudor Tambourine – like the legendary Black Gold who became the
first horse to win both the Louisiana Derby and the Kentucky Derby – is buried
in the Fair Grounds infield.
Royal Express, ridden by leading rider James Graham, returned mutuels of $6.20
and $3.40 in the field reduced to four horses after Peter Redekop’s Comedero was
scratched at the starting gate. The winning sophomore, by Royal Academy, is out
of the mare Deposit Express, who was also trained by Broussard. Royal Express
accomplished the distance in 1:48.53 after setting early fractions of 22:89 and
46.56 and increased his career earnings to $111,391 with his third victory in
seven lifetime starts.
“When I saw 22:89 up there early, I knew this horse could win it,” Broussard
said. “I always thought this colt could run. Now I’d like to try him going two
turns – but not in the Risen Star – he’s not ready for that kind of race yet.
But maybe the Saints can win for me tomorrow on my birthday.”
Vito Filitto finished second in the Black Gold, paying $4, followed by Saluting
Stormye.
Racing resumes Sunday at Fair Grounds with a special early post time of 11:30
a.m. to allow fans plenty of time to get home to watch the New Orleans Saints
try to win their first Super Bowl in their first attempt.
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, the nation’s third-oldest Thoroughbred racing
facility, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, Fair Grounds
is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN); it
also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and nine off-track betting parlors
throughout southeast Louisiana. Fair Grounds’ 138th Thoroughbred season will run
through March 28, 2010, highlighted by the Grade II Louisiana Derby on March 27.
Information about Fair Grounds can be found online at
www.fairgroundsracecourse.com.