Challenge


Nothin Like You Dominant In Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G2)
Nothin Like You, ridden by Stormy Smith, wins the $158,127 Grade 2 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship at Horseshoe Indianapolis.

© Coady Photography
Nothin Like You Dominant In Adequan Derby Challenge Championship (G2)

SHELBYVILLE, IN–OCTOBER 22, 2022–Nothin Like You was nothing less than spectacular in the $158,127 Grade 2 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship. Ridden by veteran jockey Stormy Smith, the gelding completed the 400-yard dash in gate to wire fashion in :20.021 seconds.

Nothin Like You was visible from the start with his four yellow race bandages and black and yellow silks. He shot out of the gate and was leading the way early on in the 400-yard dash. Cruising down the center of the track, the gelding continued to dominate his opponents all the way to the wire for the win by one length over B Leaving and Francisco Calderon. Hes Jess Dealin and Ali Rivera finished a nose back in third.

Nothin Like You was one of the favorites, paying $6.20 to win. The Favorite Cartel gelding got back on the winning track after finishing third in his last start and is five for eight in 2022. He pushed his career earnings over the $296,000 mark.

The winning connections of Nothin Like You accept the $158,127 Grade 3 Adequan Derby Challenge Championship Trophy at Horseshoe Indianapolis Saturday night. © Coady Photography

Bred by Thomas Bradbury and Lisa Beauprez in Colorado, Nothin Like You is out of Whos Kissin Carter by Carters Cartel. Trainer John Hammes saddled the two-year-old gelding for owner Bradbury Racing.

“He ran a perfect race like he does almost always does every time,” said Smith. “He’s a pleasure to ride. After he won the Valley Junction Futurity (at Prairie Meadows) last year, he really matured a lot. After he had the winter off, he came back bigger and stouter.”

Smith noted it wasn’t his first time to ride in Indiana. He used to be a frequent visitor to the state about a decade ago.

“I actually used to come in quite a bit and ride for Connie Barnes,” said Smith. “She trained for Mari Hulman George, and I rode quite a few horses for them.”

The trophy presentation was made by a jockey that has ridden quite a few horses over his career. G.R. Carter, a world champion jockey with nearly 4,000 career wins, presented the trophy to the connections of Nothin Like You and Smith, who he rode against before his retirement. Smith noted he “chased him a lot” during his riding career.

“This is such a great AQHA racing event at the end of the year,” added Carter. “I miss being out there in the action and being part of the show.”

One person that was part of the show for the Adequan Derby was Ron Sheedy, who won the $1,000 Megabet drawing. Sheedy placed his wager on Nothin Like You and went home a winner with more than $3,000 from the winning promotion thanks to the win from Nothin Like You and Smith.

Runner-up B Leaving has four wins and eight seconds from 13 starts, with accumulated earnings of $197,591, including stakes victories in the Ruidoso Downs Derby Challenge and Mr Master Bug Stakes (G3) this year.

Trainer John Stinebaugh saddled the post-time favorite B Leaving for owner Alfredo Garza Rodriguez . Bred by Home A Hill Estate of Oklahoma, son of Valiant Hero is out of Jess B Mighty by Mr Jess Perry.

Coming in third is Hes Jess Dealin, who was also conditioned by John Stinebaugh. The son of Dealagame has five career wins with $118,469 in lifetime earnings, including the Sam Houston Derby Challenge in June. Bred and owned by Pete Scarmado of Texas, the two-year-old gelding is out of Jess Marcy by Mr Jess Perry.

Rounding out the order of finish is Ls Jacks Back, Valentino Pete, Jess Special, Prize Kiss, Political Fire, Jess Special Folly V, Political Fire, A Separatist V and Lockedinthezone. Tommie Eagle was scratched.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The 20th season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Wednesday, Nov. 23. Live racing is conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday through Wednesday with Thursday post times set for 2:10 p.m. A total of 12 Saturdays will feature live racing in 2022 highlighted by the 28th running of the Grade 3 $300,000 Indiana Derby and the 27th running of the Grade 3 $200,000 Indiana Oaks set for Saturday, July 9. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis.

About Horseshoe Indianapolis
Horseshoe Indianapolis, owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, racing, dining, and diversity. Located just minutes from Indianapolis in Shelbyville, Ind., this one-of-a-kind property has wall to wall excitement on the 105,940 square foot gaming floor, featuring more than 1,600 slots and 72 table games along with a state-of-the-art World Series of Poker Room containing 20 tables. Please visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis for more information and find Horseshoe Indianapolis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.