Draco Best In $45,554 TQHA Sale Juvenile at Retama Park Saturday

SELMA, TX–JULY 27, 2024—Draco, a $94,000 TQHA Yearling Sale graduate, picked up his second consecutive win and first black-type victory on Saturday when he defeated Lovin That Eagle by a head in the $45,554 TQHA Sale Juvenile at Retama Park.

Draco surged late under jockey Victor Ureita, Jr., to clock 17.893 seconds, an 89-speed index, into an 8 mph headwind. It was the second win in five starts for the son of four-time world champion sire FDD Dynasty. The $15,944 winner's purse increased the gelding's earnings to $23,102.

Juan Diaz, Jr. conditions the Texas-bred colt for owner Triple Five. Juan M. Lazano, Jr. bred Draco from the Apollitical Jess mare Mystical Jess.

"I think he's getting better and better every day," the owner said. When asked about the colt's purchase price in the TQHA Yearling Sale last year, he replied, "We always look at the horse's shape and pedigree. He was in nice shape and had the parts to be a champion."

Triple One Ranch LLC's Lovin That Eagle earned $12,755 for finishing second. Luis Vivanco had the riding call aboard the Eagle Deluxe gelding for trainer Toby Keeton. Randy Hughes bred Lovin That Eagle from the Dash Plays On mare Love Ya Darling.

Javier Lujan's Embers Time finished 1-1/2 lengths back to earn $8,655 for third. The two-time winner from four starts is trained by Martin Rodriguez and ridden by Francisco Giles. Alejandro Moya bred the Pyc Prize Time filly from the Embrujo Fg mare Fancy Embrujos. She has earned $29,715.

Chill To The Bone and Takillya On the Hocks completed the field. Celebratingtheeagle was scratched at the gate. Chicks Royal Glory, Sheaux Biz, Tailwynde, and Twinly were all trainer scratches.

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

ABOUT RETAMA PARK
Retama Park is a Class 1 pari-mutuel horse racetrack located in Selma, Texas, just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio. Live Quarter Horse races occur each summer, while simulcast wagering and worldwide races are shown daily. Managed by Penn Entertainment Inc. (NASDAQ – PENN), Retama Park opened in 1995 and is hosting its 30th horse racing season this year. For more information and racing schedules, please visit www.RetamaPark.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and YouTube.