Handsomer Gets First Stakes Victory In TPHBA Maiden Juvenile at Lone Star Park

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–SEPTEMBER 6, 2024–Handsomer raced to a neck victory as the post-time favorite in the $11,000 TPHBA Maiden Juvenile (not black type) for APHA 2-year-olds on Lone Star Park's 2024 season opener for the Fall Meeting of Champions.

Ridden by Ali Rivera, Handsomer put a steady effort while completing the 300 yards in 15.825 seconds, equaling an 82-speed index over a muddy (sealed) racing surface into a 9 mph headwind.

Trainer Juvenal Licona-Vazquez saddled the son of leading APHA sire CRM Livewire to his first victory in seven starts for owner Bertha Nunez. H.T. The $6,050 winner's purse increased Handsomer' earnings to $17,945.

Churchwell and Mike Hester bred the 2-year-old colt in Oklahoma from the Apollitical Jess mare Jess A Snowy Cartel.

Rene Rios' Eagle Success just missed under jockey Claudio Aguilar to earn $1,870 for second. Ricardo Aguirre trains the daughter of multiple stakes sire This Is An Eagle from the Cartel Success mare Kiowas Success. Jacob Rios bred the filly in Texas.

Shadows Of Fire was a head back in the blanket finish to take home $1,100 for third. Trainer Janessa Muniz conditions the Oklahoma-bred son of multiple stakes sire Highest Fire for owner LLLL Consulting LLC. Jorge Garcia rode the gelding out of Skip Away Shadow by Judys Lineage. Mike and Jay Lynn Hester are the breeders.

Completing the field were Vp Prize Time Heart, Bj Crosswire, Pasatiempo, Vp-Wired To Win (DH), Crb Love (DH), Dealin N Lights, and Vp Smokey Caboosie.

Editor's note: A photo of this race will be posted when it becomes available from the track photographer. 

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About Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is a major league sports entertainment attraction that features two exciting racing seasons annually. Over 700,000 guests visit our beautiful facility each year, which features a seven-level glass-enclosed Grandstand, highlighted by our 1,200-seat Silks Dining Room and 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites, all overlooking the newest race track in Texas. Situated next to our Grandstand is the 36,000-square-foot world-class Las Vegas-style racebook and simulcast facility, Bar & Book, which features wagering on horse racing from around the world seven days a week year.

The 2024 Fall Meeting of Champions, featuring American Quarter Horses, runs September 6 through November 16. Live racing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. (CT); the first post is at 6:05 p.m. Breeders' Cup Saturday, November 5. Gates open at 10:30 a.m., the first live race is at 6:05 p.m.