Huntertown Farm tackles full field in $300,000 Sam Huff
Mike Fiegenbaum joined the HMDC partners in part, because he recognized the opportunities the value of state-bred programs. In addition to investing in Ohio, his West Virginia homebred Runaldo performed like the race’s legendary namesake – Sam Huff.
Huff was born and grew up in the No. 9 coal mining camp in Edna, West Virginia. Known for his unbridled tackles, he was as rugged as the land he grew up on and displayed his grit a linebacker in the NFL for the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. He played college football for the West Virginia Mountaineers. He is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In 1986 Huff began breeding thoroughbred racehorses at Sporting Life Farm in Middleburg, Virginia. His filly, Bursting Forth, won the 1998 Matchmaker Handicap. He also helped establish the West Virginia Breeders' Classic. The race was deservedly named because of Huff’s support for West Virginia breeders. The $300,000 race remains at its original distance of 1 1/8 miles.
On paper, it looked like the race was for place as Jubawithatwist brought credentials into the Classic that sent him away at odds of 1-9. Runaldo took a place in mid-field among the field of ten starters where jockey Renaldo Bocachica could keep an eye on the all-star Jubawithatwist. The heavy favorite headed past the field and looked ripe for a score. But like Sam Huff running around end and tackling Jim Brown, Runaldo took down the lead runner in a determined effort for the win.
The Huntertown colorbearer increased his record to 12-5-3-1 for earnings of $228,326. Runaldo is a gray/roan son of Creative Cause out of the French Deputy mare Boozin Susan. HMDC is offering a well-made son of Creative Cause in its 2005 Yearling selections for partnership individuals (See Yearling Page). The gray/roan is a half-sibling to Swiss Minister, a stakes-placed winner of $322,301 and hails from the female family of graded stakes winner Summer
Matinee, 5 wins, 2 to 5, $277,870, Gardenia H. [G3], 2nd Ladies H. [G2], 3rd Churchill Downs Budweiser Breeders' Cup H. [G3].
“Sometimes a change of scenery is good for a change.” HMDC stable has moved its current runners to Mahoning Valley for their new season. Word on the backstretch from several trainers is that the surface there is kinder to their horses, and we hope to see our equine athletes continue to strive there.
First up was Countess Colette who certainly would have won the “Best Turned Out Award” if they held one on October 23. The Mapleton Farm-bred was long on looks, but short on luck. Sent away as a 3-2 second choice, the official chart in the DRF said it all – “Countess Colette was pinballed at the start,” racing last, “… rallied to the pack circling six wide on the turn, making a good late gain.”
Unfortunately, it was a 6-furlong affair – not 6 1/2. The 4/5 favorite got loose from the start and led all the way. Countess Colette was the best of the rest. Perhaps we can find a vet that has a miracle “Seconditis Vaccine” as “Countess” was recording her third consecutive runner-up effort. With no such treatment available, perhaps an added distance can be the cure.
Horse Workout Notification October 24, 2024
Lust for Life (3-Year-Old Gelding)
Date: October 24, 2024
Track: MAHONING VALLEY RACE COURSE
Distance: Four Furlongs
Time: 49:80 Breezing
Track Condition: Fast
Surface: Dirt
Rank: 12/32
