In the 1 1/8-mile $100,000 Richard W. Small Stakes for horses aged 3 and up at Laurel Park on Saturday, the Barbadian Runner, often a courageous underdog, defied expectations by holding off the 2-5 favorite to win by 4 1/4 lengths under jockey Forrest Boyce. Known for his strong performances, especially after beating the G2 winner’s post time in last month’s Maryland Million Classic, the Barbadian Runner secured his seventh victory in 19 races.
Jockey Forrest Boyce praised the horse’s determination despite attempts to overshadow him, saying, “He’s great. They tried to bully him a bit, but he always tries hard.” During the race, Barbadian Runner made a strong late move to overtake Lord Jack, who had taken the lead early on, finishing with a time of 1:53.40 on a muddy track and returning $2.80 to win.
Phantom Speed came in second, followed by Hit the Road Jack, Formal Affair, Secret Zipper, and Hardspun Reason. Although Phantom Speed’s rider Sheldon Russell filed a claim of interference against Boyce, the stewards upheld the original result. Barbadian Runner, a 3-year-old gelding from Shamrock Farm, Maryland, was purchased as a yearling for $5,000 by AJ Wilwin Stables.
Trainer Henry Walters, who aims to develop competitive Maryland-bred horses on a modest budget, expressed satisfaction with the horse’s progress. The race is named after Richard ‘Dickie’ Small, a respected Maryland trainer and Vietnam War veteran who mentored Boyce and had a significant impact on Maryland racing. Small’s legacy includes training notable horses like Broad Brush and Concern.
The Barbadian Runner, out of the mare Quiet Run by Northern Afleet, has raced consistently since his debut in June 2024, winning across distances from five and a half furlongs to 1 1/8 miles on dry tracks. This latest victory marks his third consecutive stakes win. Walters indicated the horse might take a break soon, with no immediate plans for future races.
Fan Take: This thrilling victory by the Barbadian Runner showcases the grit and heart that make horse racing endlessly captivating. It highlights how underdogs can rise to prominence, inspiring fans and strengthening the sport’s rich tradition of unpredictability and excitement.
