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.