Godolphin, Irad Ortiz and Brad Cox Top Churchill Downs Fall Meet

[Wandering Eyes]

Shifting his tack to Churchill Downs for the 26-day Fall Meet, Irad Ortiz Jr. rounded out the session with 46 wins, including two landed on Sunday's closing day.

The mark represented the most wins at the meeting since Julien Leparoux won 63 races

“It's been very successful since moving to Kentucky,” Ortiz Jr. said. “It's been great to be able to ride for so many new owners and trainers. I'm very thankful for everyone who's helped us get to where we are.”

Represented by Steve Rushing, Ortiz' most notable wins at the Fall Meet included Further Ado in the $400,000 GII Kentucky Jockey Club; Alpine Princess in the $400,000 GIII Falls City; On Time Girl in the $225,000 Fern Creek; and Life of Joy in the $200,000 Rags to Riches.

Ortiz won five races twice during the Fall Meet: Nov. 12 and Saturday's Stars of Tomorrow II card.

Ortiz' brother, Jose Ortiz, was second in the standings with 37 wins. He was followed by Luis Saez (28), Tyler Gaffalione (28) and Axel Concepcion (11).

 

Cox Secures 10th Leading Trainer Title

Brad Cox notched his 10th Churchill Downs title with 21 wins after Sunday's closing day program. It marked his first Fall Meet training title since 2017.

Cox, a 45-year-old Louisville native, enjoyed a banner day on Saturday with five wins from eight starters. He joined Steve Asmussen as the only two horsemen to achieve that feat since Churchill Downs records have been documented since 1991. Asmussen won with five of seven starters on Thanksgiving Day in 2021.

Cox's starters on Saturday: Sticker Shock ($8.48), Kentucky Belle ($4.68), Swift Blade (9th at 8.88-1), On Time Girl ($8.22), Kilo Tango (3rd at 4.16-1), Further Ado ($3.42), Life of Joy (4th at 2.93-1) and Cannoneer ($5.54).

Cox also became the eighth all-time leading trainer at Churchill Downs when Further Ado gave him win No. 500 and, one race later, Cannoneer delivered win No. 501.

Cox teamed with Irad Ortiz Jr. to win 18, including four stakes: the Kentucky Jockey Club; the Falls City; the Fern Creek; and the $200,000 Rags to Riches.

Brendan Walsh finished second with 14 wins, while Joe Sharp rounded out the top three with 13 victories.

 

Godolphin Earns Owner Title

The race for the Fall Meet leading owner at Churchill Downs came down to the final day Sunday, however, Godolphin held the advantage with seven wins.

This is Godolphin's fifth leading owner title. Their wins at the meet included Bella Ballerina in the $400,000 GII Golden Rod and six allowance victories.

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