Contact: Mitch Demick (708) 222-4542

Bold Hawk Edges Out Twilight Meteor in 43rd Hawthorne Derby

Stickney, IL – Bold Hawk, a well-bred gelded son of the great race mare Tribulation, got a nice ground-saving trip under veteran jockey Jean Luc Samyn, split horses in mid-stretch and just prevailed over a game Twilight Meteor in the 43rd running of the Grade III Hawthorne Derby at Hawthorne Race Course.

The mile and one eighth race for three year olds, run on the turf course, offered a guaranteed purse of $250,000.

The pace was quick as the 11-horse field made its way to the quarter in 22.41. Voy Por Uno Mas led the way as they reached the half in 46.44. As the sophomores made their way around the far turn, Twilight Meteor, Summer Doldrums and the eventual winner, all seemed to be getting perfect setups, but Twilight Meteor might have hesitated just a split second under jockey Chris DeCarlo, while Bold Hawk found a seam between horses.

The two battled right down to the wire with Bold Hawk just getting a head up, stopping the clock in 1:47.55. It was only the third lifetime win for the James Toner trained Bold Hawk and pushed his earnings to $213,376.

It was 1 ¾ lengths back to the third place finisher Western Prize. Voy Por Uno Mas held well for fourth, while the second wagering choice Summer Doldroms made a bold move at the top of the stretch, but flattened out late to be a disappointing sixth.

Third place finisher Western Prize broke down past the wire and was euthanized.

Bold Hawk returned $10.00 $4.80 and $3.40. Twilight Meteor paid $3.20 and $2.80. Western Prize returned $8.00 to show.

Quotes from the Hawthorne Derby:

Samyn attributed some early planning as a valid reason for Bold Hawk’s success: “I walked the course this morning and I knew what spot I wanted to be in. I knew that the inside appeared to be the best place,” the New York-based jockey offered. “Plus I didn’t want to move too early so he would get the lead and loaf around.”

DeCarlo had this to say about his colt’s second place finish: “They split, but once I got in there they came together. I had to, not steady him, but it slowed his momentum down. The winner had a clear trip. He was laboring a little bit down the lane. He struggled a little with the going.”

Samyn on what this race meant to him: “Today was the day the Queen Elizabeth was run. I won the Queen Elizabeth with Tribulation so that makes this win with her son, even more special.”

Samyn on the possible return of Bold Hawk as a four year old: “He should definitely be back as a four year old. He’s a gelding. Just look at him; he’s a big horse, really immature. He sure looks like he has only one way to go . . . up!”

Photos courtesy Four Footed Photos.

Hawthorne Race Course’s Thoroughbred meet begins on Friday, September 21 and will continue through the end of the year. Live racing will be conducted Wednesday through Sunday, regular first post 1:35pm central time. Hawthorne Race Course is located at 3501 Laramie Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804, gates open daily at 7 am. Call (708) 780-3700 or visit the Web site at www.hawthorneracecourse.com.

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