It was an easy win for Dr Blarney, who was once again first across the finish line in the annual Rise Jim Stakes, hosted for the first time at Fort Erie Race Track. It’s been just over a year since the seven-year-old chestnut gelding last raced, but that didn’t stop him from taking his fourth consecutive Rise Jim Stakes. The race is a guaranteed $35,000 purse for thoroughbreds foaled in Massachusetts and registered with the Massachusetts Thoroughbred Breeders Association (MTBA).
Trained by Karl M Grusmark for owner Joseph DiRico, Dr Blarney came out in front quickly and effortlessly, taking jockey Emile Ramsammy six furlongs on the dirt in 1:10.4. Returning $2.30 to his backers, this son of Dublin now has his 21st win from 29 career starts.
Second in the Rise Jim Stakes was Saint Alfred with jockey Christopher Husbands. Third was Successful Saint and Daisuke Fukumoto.
The MTBA set up a partnership with Fort Erie Race Track in the fall, to host a number of Mass-bred races this season. Originally scheduled for July 20, the Rise Jim Stakes had to be postponed when a series of delays prevented the van carrying all six horses from arriving at Fort Erie Race Track in time for racing.
“Our partnership with the MTBA is beneficial for all parties, and we look forward to hosting more Mass-bred races at Fort Erie this season,” said Tom Valiquette, chief operating and financial officer of the Fort Erie Live Racing Consortium.
Spectator- free racing returns at Fort Erie on Tuesday, July 28 at 1:10 p.m. Watch online here.
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