Gold Phoenix Secures Historic Fourth Del Mar Handicap Victory, Eyes Breeders’ Cup Turf
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Del Mar, California – Gold Phoenix etched his name into racing history on August 30th, capturing the Del Mar Handicap (G2T) for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year and securing a spot in the upcoming Breeders’ Cup Turf. Despite a challenging season leading up to the race, the 7-year-old gelding delivered a powerful performance, finishing in a thrilling four-way blanket finish.
A Champion’s Resilience
The victory is notably remarkable considering Gold Phoenix had not secured a win in his three previous starts this year. However, the son of Belardo (IRE) showcased his affinity for the Del Mar turf, demonstrating the tenacity that has defined his career. By prevailing in the del Mar ‘Cap, a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: Win and You’re In contest, the gelding will return to the World Championships on November 1st for a fourth time.
A Gritty Finish at Del Mar
The race unfolded with Final Boss setting a leisurely pace, clocking fractions of :25.05, :50.89,and 1:16.51. Gold Phoenix, under jockey Flavien Prat, settled into his customary midpack position, patiently waiting for his moment. as the field approached the mile marker, Prat urged Gold Phoenix forward, and the gelding responded with a surge of momentum.
“I thought at the sixteenth pole he wasn’t going to get there,” shared Little Red Feather Racing’s founder Billy Koch on the partnership’s X page. “He’s got so much guts.”
In a nail-biting stretch drive, Gold Phoenix battled rivals from all sides, ultimately prevailing by a neck over Stay Hot, with Atitlan and Truly Quality finishing close behind. The winning time was 2:16.09 over the firm turf, a second faster than his winning time in last year’s race.
A Legacy in the Making
This win marks an unprecedented 10th Del Mar Handicap title for trainer Philip D’Amato. Gold Phoenix, bred in Ireland by Mighty universe Ltd, races for an ownership group comprised of Little Red Feather Racing, Agave Racing Stable, Sterling Stables, and marsha Naify. The gelding joined D’Amato’s barn at the beginning of his 4-year-old campaign and has since become a cornerstone of the stable.
“It’s an unbelievable story, this horse will now bring us to four consecutive Breeders’ Cups,” said Gary Fenton, the managing partner for co-owner Little Red Feather Racing. “He’s just a tremendous horse, a horse that you don’t get very frequently enough.”
As his initial North American win in April 2022, Gold Phoenix has amassed seven graded stakes wins, including a Grade 1 victory, and has become a consistent contender on the international stage. his connections are hopeful that this year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf will be the culmination of his remarkable career.
Here is a video of the Del Mar H. Presented by The Japan Racing Association (G2T): Video: Del Mar H. Presented by The Japan Racing Association (G2T)
Gold Phoenix ($6.20) is by Belardo (IRE), who currently stands at Bearstone Stud for 5,500 Pounds (2024). He was initially sold at the GOFSPT2019 for $26,314 (RNA) and later purchased by Agave Racing Stable at the KEECHP2024 for $125,000 from Little Red Feather Racing, Sterling Stables, and Marsha Naify. Perhaps this year will be his, marking a fitting end to a truly memorable career.
