Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. entered Sunday's closing day program of the September Meet in pursuit of his second leading rider title at Churchill Downs and held a two-win margin, 14-12, over five-time titlist Tyler Gaffalione.
Hernandez, who recorded his 700th career win beneath the Twin Spires Thursday and winner of the 2018 Spring Meet title, had mounts in Races 8-10 while five-time local leader Gaffalione had calls in Races 2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10.
Jockey Joe Talamo entered Sunday in third with 10 wins but would have to win with all five of his mounts (Races 3, 4, 7, 8 and 10) to surpass Hernandez.
In the leading trainer standings, Kenny McPeek held an 8-7 win lead over Steve Asmussen. McPeek, a three-time Churchill Downs leading trainer, had four horses entered across three races (7, 8 and 10) while record 24-time leading trainer Asmussen had six runners in four races (6, 7, 9 and 10). Dale Romans, a 14-time Churchill Downs top trainer, was third in the standings with six wins and could tie McPeek with two entries (8 and 10).
The partnership of WinStar Farm (2018 September Meet co-leading owners) and Siena Farm led all owners with three wins but does not have any entries Sunday. Columbine Stable and Lothenbach Stables were both one win behind. Columbine Stable, winner of the 2019 Fall Meet title, had one entry in Race 6 while Lothenbach Stables had runners in Races 3 and 10. Courtlandt Farms could tie WinStar Farm and Siena Farm with entrants in Races 9 and 10.
All presentations for the September Meet champions will take place in the Woodford Reserve Winner's Circle immediately after the final race of the meet.
Racing in Kentucky will transition to Keeneland for their Fall Meet beginning on Oct. 8. The Churchill Downs Fall Meet will begin Sunday, Oct. 31 with “Stars of Tomorrow I” featuring all 2-year-old races. For more information, visit www.churchilldowns.com.
The post Battle Is On Between Hernandez Jr., Gaffalione For Churchill Meet Title appeared first on Horse Racing News | Paulick Report.
