With the 2019 thoroughbred racing calendar coming to a close, Chestertown gave us (Woodford Racing) something to look forward to in 2020!
When he ran a fast closing third sprinting six furlongs in his first lifetime start on October 24 at Belmont Racetrack, it was clear Chestertown would prefer running longer distances. Sunday at Aqueduct Racetrack, Chestertown faced eight rivals racing a mile.
As they raced down the backstretch, Chestertown was three wide but within a couple of lengths of the leaders. At the top of the stretch, jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. asked Chestertown for run and he drew off to win by 2+ lengths. It was clear he is still learning to be a racehorse as he weaved in and out through the stretch.
After the race, Ortiz mentioned “the longer the races, the better” for Chestertown. Obviously that’s good news as today’s win provides us racing options as we enter 2020. The current thinking is Chestertown will ship to the Fairgrounds Racetrack in New Orleans and prepare for his 3 year old debut.
The Fairgrounds has three Kentucky Derby prep races: Lecomte Stakes – January 18, Risen Star Stakes – February 15 and Louisiana Derby – March 21 leading up to the Kentucky Derby. While the 2020 Kentucky Derby is a long way off, it’s always fun to think about having a horse in the Derby starting gate the first Saturday in May!