History was made at Ellis Park on Thursday, July 9, as Brendan Walsh Racing saddled an unprecedented four consecutive winners on the card, becoming the first stable ever to achieve the feat at the Henderson oval.
In a sport where even one winner is hard earned, to send out four in succession is a remarkable accomplishment and a testament to the quality of horses in the barn and the dedication of the entire team behind the scenes. From the riders, grooms and hot walkers to blacksmiths and everyone in between, it was a day that will long be remembered by all involved as the stable etched its name into the Ellis Park record books.
irish law
The successful sequence began in Race 5 as Irish Law shed his maiden tag with a performance full of determination and promise under Luan Machado.
The son of Tiz the Law broke sharply from the gates and immediately took up the running, travelling strongly on the front end. As the field closed in approaching the stretch, Irish Law looked more than willing for the challenge, lengthening his stride as his rivals loomed up alongside him. Caught in a battle between horses in the final furlong, he showed tremendous grit to dig deep and emerge on top under a strong drive from Machado.
It was an impressive and hard-fought maiden victory from a colt who looks to have an exciting future ahead of him for owners Pocket Aces Racing.
talleyrand
The second winner of the afternoon was one that meant a great deal to everyone in the barn as Talleyrand, a full brother to 2023 Kentucky Oaks heroine Pretty Mischievous, made a winning debut under Ben Curtis.
Breaking sharply from post seven, Talleyrand allowed several rivals to contest the early lead before stalking the pace in the four path with a sharp opening quarter in 21.94. When Curtis asked for his effort approaching the three-furlong marker, the response was immediate as the colt began to gather momentum and sweep into contention. Hitting the front with a furlong to run, Talleyrand still showed signs of greenness in the closing stages, but his class and determination shone through as he held off the challenge of Town Man to prevail by a head.
If this talented colt proves to possess any of the ability shown by his accomplished sister, there is plenty for the team to look forward to in the months and years ahead. Huge congratulations to Godolphin Stable with this continuously successful family.
icona
The third leg of the historic four-timer came courtesy of Icona (IRE), who delivered a polished performance to capture her first-level allowance under Florent Geroux.
The daughter of Kingman settled beautifully in a relaxed position along the rail, travelling comfortably in mid-pack through the early stages. While several of her rivals began to make their moves approaching the far turn, Geroux remained patient aboard the filly before angling her to the outside turning for home. Once in the clear, Icona quickly gathered up the leaders, producing a smart turn of foot to sweep past the field and score cosily by three-quarters of a length.
Congratulations to her owners and long-time supporters of the stable, Heider Family Stables, on another deserved success.
twirling aces
Last, but by no means least, Twirling Aces completed the historic four-timer with another breathtaking display under Ben Curtis.
The daughter of Twirling Candy had announced herself with an eye-catching maiden victory at Churchill Downs and looked primed to make another statement stepping into allowance company. Despite several rivals breaking sharply and a slight stumble leaving the gates, Twirling Aces quickly recovered to establish herself on the lead, travelling strongly in the hands of Curtis. With hot favourite Battis Grove applying pressure just half a length behind, the filly only seemed to find more, and turning for home she quickly put the race to bed. Stretching effortlessly clear in the lane, Twirling Aces powered home to score by more than four lengths under little more than a hands and heels ride from Curtis.
The victory capped a spectacular afternoon for owners Pocket Aces Racing, who celebrated a double on the card following Irish Law’s maiden success earlier in the day, while also sealing a landmark achievement for the Brendan Walsh Racing team.
