Making the headlines on your debut always feels special. However, in the world of horse racing, it’s mostly the high-profile mares that dominate the tracks. And yet, today’s Turfway Park was witness to a magnificent upset that is taking the equine world by storm. While it’s not entirely breaking news for youngsters making ripples in the horse riding community, Turfway Park’s Race 9 has connoisseurs in awe.
2-year-old filly Gallerygal clinched the top spot in the last moments after starting slow. Jockey Fernando De La Cruz ensured to strike when the iron was hot and Voila, the rest is history.
Horse racing youngster clinches maiden win
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Race 9 of Turfway Park, Kentucky, was the Maiden Special Weight that was under heavy discussion among the attendees. In a short video clip posted by TVG on X (formerly known as Twitter), Gallerygal’s incredible run can be witnessed by the curious ones all over again. As soon as the doors opened, Heavenly Dream, running in lane 2 quickly gained a lead over the others. On the other hand, Sanctify and Flowery Path trailed behind everyone else, and Gallerygal remained closer to the trailer enders rather than the leaders of the pack.
GALLERYGAL ($82.14) put on a show on debut under Fernando De La Cruz! The 2-year-old filly broke her maiden in @TurfwayPark race 9 for trainer Marcus O'Donnell.
Turfway is back on the 3rd, catch it live on @FanDuelTV! pic.twitter.com/pMCU6QCUR6
— TVG (@TVG) December 31, 2023
The lead was established further by Gold Del Mar and Stirred Up, who were breathing down the neck of Heavenly Dream. Evocation and Bright Lady Day kept the middle order under command, all the while Gallerygal seemed to find its place at the bottom of the table. However, onlookers were in for a surprise as Gallerygal had the performance of her lifetime still waiting for her after the last bend.
As the top three racers continued to push each other, Gallerygal made her run, quickly overtaking the others. Within what felt like a block of an eye, Gallerygal moved up among the top 5 and even forged ahead among the top three. While viewers were expecting Stirred Up to pull off an upset win, it was Gallerygal who crossed the finish line first, resulting in Heavenly Dream ending the race second after a continuous lead throughout the majority of Race 9.
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More horse racing upsets rock the world
While the young filly trained by Marcus O’Donnell achieved her first major win, another veteran of the track recently bid adieu to its professional career after 19 wins. Frodon was trained by legendary horse trainer Paul Nicholls, and their 11-year association has brought multiple accolades for both. However, Frodon was recently retired after the King George VI Chase at Kempton.
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The Grade 1 steeplechase had a lot of high-profile names running the race, but it was Hewick, the underdog, who kept its nerves and clinched a titillating win partnering with Shark Hanlon. Now, it remains to be seen if Gallerygal can maintain her momentum and move up the ranks after her debut win.
Watch this story: Another Horse Racing Icon Bids Adieu to the World, Joining Practical Move and Geaux Rocket