El Senador Tequila Slight Surprise In $219,500 Gillespie County Fair Futurity Final

FREDRICKSBURG, TX—AUGUST 25, 2024—Making his fourth career start, El Senador Tequila (9-1) drifted out under jockey Eleazar Hernandez but still managed to win the $219,500 Gillespie County Fair Futurity by a half today at the Gillespie County Fairground.

The California-bred son of multiple stakes sire Fly Thru The Fire completed the 350-yard task in 17.661 seconds, equaling a 93-speed index into a seven mph crosswind. Trainer Oscar Constancio, Jr., saddled the brown gelding to his second career win for owner Joe Ruiz, Jr.

Bred by Steve D. Burns, DVM, El Senador Tequila earned $76,825 for today's win, bringing his earnings mark to $84,325. He is out of the Corona Cartel mare Remember The Cartel.

El Senador Tequila broke his maiden in the August 10 trials when he was the second-fastest qualifier. Today, he returned $18.20 to win, $6.20 to place, and $3.80 to show.

Runner-up Hogans Hero broke sharply under jockey Luis Vivanco to earn $32,925 for second. Trainer Toby Keeton conditions the daughter of Valiant Hero for owner-breeder Kevin Hogan.

The Texas homebred is out of Tres Of Royalty by Tres Seis. Second in the John Deere Sam Houston Juvenile(G3) and a finalist in the Sam Houston Futurity(G2), Hogans Hero has banked $119,940 in seven starts.

Garza Laurel Partnership LLC's Kas This Stoli Gl finished a neck back to earn $21,950 for third. Trainer Jose Sanchez, named jockey Arturo Alvarez, to ride the Kas Tempting 2-year-old out of Fear This Stoli by Stoli. The gelding has banked $29,750 in four starts. Angel/Roberto Laurel/F J Garza are the breeders.

Famous Flyin Cowgirl, Survived, Cr Fire Belle, Mi Favorito Whiskey, Hiclass Bonita, Flashin Pyc and Tommyjessdoggin completed the field.