Churchill Downs Update: Bango Earns 100 Brisnet Speed Rating in Record-Breaking Allowance Victory, Points to Bet on Sunshine Stakes

Sep 28, 2024

Tamaroak Partners’ all-time Churchill Downs wins leader Bango earned a stout 100 Brisnet Speed Rating in his record-breaking allowance victory Friday beneath the Twin Spires. The 7-year-old sprinter will now target the Nov. 2 Bet on Sunshine Stakes as his next start.

“He ran a huge race (Friday),” trainer Greg Foley said. “I think it was a relief for all of us to get that record out of the way. It’s incredibly special being in the record books at Churchill Downs. This is our family’s home, and this horse will forever be remembered as an all-time record holder here. Fred and Debbie Schwartz have invested so much into the sport, and it’s so special for them to have a horse like Bango accomplish all he’s done.”

Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Bango defeated three rivals by 2 ¼ lengths to earn his 12th victory at Churchill Downs while running six furlongs in 1:09.76 over the sloppy surface.

“It was so special to be a part of this record,” Gaffalione said. “I’m so happy for everyone involved, and it’s great that Bango returned to his top form.”

Bango’s achievement broke the previous record held by Ready’s Rocket. Owned by Deann Baer, Margaret Woodside and Tim Glyshaw, Ready’s Rocket won 11 races at Churchill Downs from 2008-12.

“I want to congratulate the entire Foley family and their owners on having such a special horse,” said Glyshaw, who also trained Ready’s Rocket. “Records are meant to be broken, and I’m very proud of how long Ready’s Rocket’s record stood. I’m glad the record was broken by good, well-respected connections.”

Bango, who has now banked more than $1.6 million in career earnings, exited Friday’s race in good order, according to Foley, and enjoyed a quiet Saturday morning in Barn 11.

 

SAUDI CROWN SCRATCHES FROM ACK ACK WITH FOOT ISSUE – FMQ Racing’s Saudi Crown, the 4-5 favorite in Saturday’s $400,000 Ack Ack Stakes (Grade III), was scratched from the race with a foot issue, according to trainer Brad Cox.

The Ack Ack field was down to four runners following the scratches of Saudi Crown; Mufasa (CHI), who will run in the Vosburgh Stakes (GIII) at Belmont at Aqueduct; and Big Blue Line, who’s scheduled to run in the John Henry Turf Championship (GII) at Santa Anita.

The Ack Ack goes as Race 8 Saturday at 9:37 p.m.

 

DOWN THE STRETCH – Sunday’s closing day program will feature mandatory payouts in all wagers including the Derby City 6 Jackpot, which was hit again on Friday for $36,177. The jackpot will start over Saturday. … The main track remained listed as sloppy on Saturday following 3.32 inches of rain over the past 48 hours. … For more information about racing from Churchill Downs, visit www.churchilldowns.com.