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Pink Lloyd Takes Jacques Cartier Stakes; Kentucky Derby Will Run With Fans

Author: Clint Goodman
Published: Friday June 26, 2020
Three-time Jacques Cartier Stakes (G3) winner Pink Lloyd made it four straight when he took another edition of the race. 

Jockey Rafael Hernandez was the jockey aboard for the big win.

"He's an old horse and does everything by himself. He just needs somebody on him to make the race official," Hernandez said before the race. "He's so good; he doesn't need anybody on his back."

Debut at Woodbine

Pink Lloyd's record fourth win came in his June 25 season debut at Woodbine. The CA$143,5000 (US$105,221) race brought his earnings up to US$1,395,747.

The 8-year-old Old Forester gelding has won 23 of his 29 starts, including 20 black-type victories.

The 1-9 favorite was joined by just three other runners after Dixie's Gamble was scratched. He broke from the outside post and sat behind Circle of Friends and Not So Quiet. The quarter-mile went in :22.23.

As a half-mile went in :44.53, Hernandez pushed Pink Lloyd closer to the leader and made a move as they turned for home. Malibu Secret made a move from fourth along the rail, and Pink Lloyd easily took the lead. He galloped home and finished two lengths in front in 1:09.61 for six furlongs on the synthetic track. 

"He broke well, he did his thing," Hernandez said. "He's older; he knows how to win. He can come from anywhere; he just does his thing. He showed up today. He's one of the best; he does his job. He don't give up, never."

Malibu Secret finished second a half-length in front of Not So Quiet, and Circle of Friends finished in fourth.

Lead Up to the Race

The Robert Tiller-trained Pink Lloyd has only raced at Woodbine with previous regular rider Eurico Rosa da Silva, who went on to retire at the end of 2019. The horse was only joined by Hernandez one other time, which was at the 2018 Jacques Cartier. They set the track-record time of 1:08.05.

Pink Lloyd is also a six-time Sovereign Award winner and was Canada's Horse of the Year in 2017.

"This is one of the greatest sprinters that's ever raced in Canada, and I think his record speaks for itself," Tiller said. "He really has a lot of heart, a lot of desire. He wants to do it, he loves winning, and I don't know if there will ever be another one like him — not for me, that's for sure.

"A lot of hard work at the barn, there's a lot of details that go along with him. But when you're standing here like this, it all works out. He's such a champion, such a sweetheart, and I love him dearly."

Pink Lloyd was bred in Ontario by John Carey and was voted Canada's top male sprinter for the third consecutive year in May. He was also awarded his second Sovereign Award as Canada's champion older male. 

In 2019, he was 6-for-7 while racing exclusively at the stakes level, and he took 11 straight races between April 15, 2017, and June 3, 2018. 

Kentucky Derby 

Back in the United States, the Kentucky Derby was given the green light. Churchill Downs announced on Thursday that the 146th running of the Sept. 5 event would take place under strict guidelines and with spectators. 

There has not yet been any indication of how many fans will be permitted.

"We truly appreciate the leadership of the governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear, and all of the hard work, collaboration and guidance that state and local officials and public health experts have provided us to safely and responsibly host Kentucky Derby week in September with spectators," said Churchill Downs president Kevin Flanery. 

"Our team is deeply committed to holding the best Kentucky Derby ever, and we will take all necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all who attend and participate in the Derby."