John Grabowski, a jockey with over 3,400 wins, last celebrated a stakes victory at Belmont Park in 2001 when he rode Impeachthepro to win the Hudson Handicap. More than twenty years later, Grabowski achieved his first stakes triumph as a trainer when Dotsy won the Grade 1, $500,000 Frizette Stakes this past Saturday. Reflecting on the accomplishment, Grabowski described it as the most incredible moment of his life, surpassed only by the birth of his two daughters. He currently manages a stable of nine horses based at Finger Lakes and considers this milestone the pinnacle of his career, even after his successful riding years.
Meanwhile, Team Valor’s U.S.S. Valor secured an automatic spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile along with 10 qualifying points toward the 2027 Kentucky Derby. Barry Irwin, principal of Team Valor, expressed awe over the horse’s quality, admitting he never imagined breeding or owning such an exceptional competitor. Irwin has yet to decide on the Breeders’ Cup but plans to savor this achievement before making any announcements.
At Keeneland, Rhetorical dominated the Coolmore Turf Mile (G1) from the start, turning a relaxed early pace into a commanding victory and guaranteeing a place in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Trainer Walden noted the horse’s strong form coming out of Saratoga and Churchill Downs, attributing his peak performance to either the track change or timing in the racing calendar.
Classic Q added another Grade 1 title by narrowly defeating Lush Lips in a thrilling finish to the $800,000 First Lady Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park. Trainer Mark Casse praised jockey Johnny for keeping the horse relaxed and executing a perfect late run, overcoming a challenging start at Keeneland in a previous race to finish third.
In the Miss Myrillo Stakes (G2) at Belmont, Domestic Agenda earned her ticket to the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) with a commanding victory. Trainer Chad Brown, whose Klaravich Stables bred the filly, expressed optimism about her future, noting that starting her career 2-for-2 is impressive for a juvenile expected to mature and improve with age.
This story originally appeared in the Paulick Report’s News section on October 4, 2026.
Fan Take:
This roundup highlights emerging stars and seasoned veterans shaping the future of horse racing, underscoring the sport’s enduring thrill and competitive depth. For fans, performances like these promise exciting rivalries and memorable moments that keep the sport vibrant and relevant.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
