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At Delta Downs, a special daytime racing event takes place on Wednesdays, highlighted by the $100,000 Jean Lafitte Stakes. Trainer Tom Amos, who achieved back-to-back successes, saw Michael McLaughlin ride a stakes winner one day, followed by Vicente Del Cid partnering with the favored horse Oscar’s Hope the next day. After a commanding performance at Churchill Downs, Oscar’s Hope led early and maintained his advantage, ultimately winning the Jean Lafitte by 2 3/4 lengths. This victory marked his third win in five races and earned a $60,000 purse, bringing his total earnings to $231,684. Bred by Stonestreet Thoroughbred Holdings LLC, this promising two-year-old colt by Twirling Candy was bought for $150,000 at the Keeneland sale.
Over at Gulfstream Park, the first Saturday of the Florida Sire Stakes championship featured the $300,000 “In Reality” and “My Dear Girl” series. The Arindell colt, after an impressive 12¾-length victory in the Susan’s Girl division, now seeks his first race around the turn under trainer Jose D’Angelo. Meanwhile, trainer Brad Cox arrives with strong contenders in the “In Reality” division, including horses Causarite and Prost.
Laurel Park celebrated jockey Martin Chuan’s Thanksgiving Day achievements, where he won three races including a turf sprint on El Tinmarin, a seven-furlong allowance on Don’t Fool With Me, and a dirt mile on Ribbon Singha Hair. Chuan, trained by Jamie Ness for two of these winners and represented by agent John Wildbacker, has gained momentum since starting to ride regularly with Ness at Delaware Park, ending the year with career-best totals.
Tampa Bay Downs announced the start of its 2025-2026 stakes schedule with the 40th running of the $125,000 Inaugural Stakes for 2-year-olds and the 48th $125,000 Sigi Stakes for 2-year-old fillies, both at six furlongs. Notable nominations include Kentucky stallion Hammond, fresh off a Juvenile Sprint Stakes win, and multiple entrants from trainers Safi A. Joseph Jr., Brian Lynch, and Brad Cox. Veteran trainer Kathleen O’Connell also brings a contender, Florida-bred Gerrard’s Cross, aiming for her third Sandpiper Stakes title.
At Turfway Park in Kentucky, the holiday meeting kicks off next Wednesday with nine races featuring 114 horses, including a $102,000 allowance option claimer and a $100,000 maiden special weight race. The season promises exciting competition, with top riders like Luan Machado, Irving Moncada, and Irad Ortiz Jr. participating.
Woodbine hosts the $250,000 Coronation Futurity and the $250,000 Princess Elizabeth Stakes, featuring top Canadian two-year-olds, including the graded stakes-winning filly Dixie Rowe. Trained by Dale DeRuisseau, Dixie Rowe will compete against male horses in the Coronation Futurity after showcasing her talent with multiple stakes wins this season. Her trainer praises her heart, ability, and relentless drive, underscoring her potential in these prestigious races.
Fan Take: This roundup highlights the vibrant and competitive nature of horse racing across North America, featuring rising stars, top trainers, and thrilling stakes events. For fans, these races represent the future of the sport, showcasing emerging talent and the ongoing excitement that keeps horse racing deeply captivating.
