Konnan Cartel, ridden by Manuel Gutierrez, wins his 2024 debut start by 1 1/4-lengths in the $52,080 Eastex Stakes [G2] at Remington Park on Saturday.

© Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK–MARCH 16, 2024–Eight elite race horses who have all earned $100,000+ in their careers lined up Saturday evening at Remington Park in honor of the late great millionaire Eastex. It was Konnan Cartel who made his way back to grace the $52,080 Eastex Stakes [G2] winner's circle after his debut start for 2024.

Ridden by Manuel Gutierrez, Konnan Cartel made a beautiful start on the outside keeping the lead from gate to wire. The son of Five Bar Cartel clocked a 96 index in :17.452 seconds. The post-time favorite's 350-yard victory paid $4.40 to win on 7/5 odds.

Konnan Cartel's owner Dania Castellanos said "I feel very happy to own this horse. Since he was a baby he has shown us that he could run."

Konnan Cartel won five of seven starts in 2023, including the Dash For Cash Derby [G2], Delta Downs Louisiana Bred Derby [G3] and Vinton Stakes. The four-year-old's first out of the season earned $29,838 and increased his stellar career earnings to $369,338.

In his freshman campaign, Konnan Cartel placed second in the De Saix Stakes, third in the Lee Berwick Futurity [G1] and was a finalist in the Laddie Futurity and Louisiana Champions Day Juvenile Stakes [G2].

Trained by Juan Diaz, Jr., the brown gelding has nine wins, three seconds and one third from 17 starts. Bred by Luis Castellanos in Louisiana, Konnan Cartel is out of Jet Black Chiraq by Jet Black Patriot.

A Legacy Of Tales, guided by Cristian Esqueda, ran a strong bid for the wire but placed second 1 1/4-lengths behind Konnan Cartel. The son of Wagon Tales has lit the board 14 of 19 starts with nine wins and $269,886 in the bank.

Trainer Stacy Charette-Hill saddled the three-time stakes winner for owner/breeder Donald Friesen. A Legacy Of Tales was bred in Oklahoma out of Legacys A Streakin by Streakin La Jolla.

Head Patron, with James Flores in the irons, got a late kick for his third place finish. The Missouri-bred gelding trained by Casey Black has seven career wins with $245,572 in lifetime earnings, including three stakes victories.

Owner Brant Barley bred Head Patron in partnership with Jon Barley. The three-time stakes winner is by Zoomin For Bux and out of Dash Leader by Special Leader.

Completing the order of finish is Sir James, Ghost Witha Fire, The Swamp, Hes A Jet One and Candy Blood.

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About Remington Park
Remington Park has provided more than $344 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District, Remington Park presents simulcast racing daily and non-stop casino gaming. The 2024 racing schedule begins Thursday, March 7, as the American Quarter Horse, Paint and Appaloosa Season starts its 50-date season. Parking and admission are always free. Must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.