In Louisville, Ky., Alex Bregman and his Chicago Cubs teammates celebrated the third baseman’s horse, Act of Parliament, after it won a race at Churchill Downs. However, the joy was brief, as the horse was claimed by new owners shortly after the victory.
Act of Parliament, a 3-year-old colt ridden by jockey Axel Concepcion, overcame a rough start and surged ahead to win by three-quarters of a length on Thursday, paying $8.68 to win. “It was electric,” said winning trainer Will Walden. “Having Alex and the entire team here and seeing the horse finish strong made it a very special night.”
The Cubs stopped by the historic Louisville track on their day off before beginning a three-game series in Cincinnati on Friday. Cubs MVP hopeful Pete Crow-Armstrong gave Act of Parliament a motivational talk in the paddock prior to the race, and manager Craig Counsell accompanied the colt to the winner’s circle after the race.
Several Cubs rookies added to the festivities by dressing in racing-themed outfits, including pitcher Ryan Rolison, who wore a horse costume, and Pedro Ramirez, who dressed as a jockey. Bregman Family Racing, owned by the baseball star, purchased Act of Parliament for $65,000.
The colt’s first career win earned him $27,108, but he was lost in a claiming race afterward. Act of Parliament was claimed for $20,000 through a random blind draw, which resolved a tie after six owners submitted competing bids. The horse then moved to a new trainer.
Fan Take: This story highlights the thrilling unpredictability of claiming races, where even promising horses can quickly change hands. For horse racing fans, it underscores the sport’s dynamic nature and the deep connections formed between owners, trainers, and their equine athletes, keeping the excitement alive race after race.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
