Tamaroak Partners' classy 5-year-old homebred Bango kicked clear to a 4 ½-length victory in Friday's featured ninth race to become just the 12th documented horse in Churchill Downs' modern history to win at least eight races at the historic Louisville track.
Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Bango won the 6 ½-furlong allowance-optional claiming event in 1:15.36 on fast track. He returned $9.76.
Trained by Greg Foley, Bango is tied with Athenium, Bet On Sunshine, Canela, Crown Lease, Lord Rusty, Maxxed, and Paden, who all recorded eight wins at Churchill Downs. Barrister Siv, Can'tholdmeback and Herreno all have nine wins, but all trail leader Ready's Rocket, who recorded 11 victories from 2008-2012.
“As long as he stays happy and sound we'll have a shot at the record,” Foley said. “This should set him up well for the (Nov. 13) Bet On Sunshine.
“It's pretty neat to have a horse like this in our barn who has won so many races at our home track. He's won some pretty tough races here, too: back-to-back wins in the Aristides and some tough allowance races. He's a really neat horse.”
Bango scored his first victory in a maiden special weight contest on Nov. 2, 2019 at Churchill Downs. Since that race he's achieved victories in the 2021 and 2022 Aristides Stakes, 2021 Kelly's Landing, and four allowance contests. Overall, he has a 10-1-2 record from 26 career starts and $768,915 in purse earnings.
A son of Congrats, Bango is a product of owners Fred and Debbie Schwartz's, talented broodmare band.
Bango's dam, the Smart Strike mare Josaka, also was campaigned by Foley.
The Schwartz family has been a longtime client of Foley. Along with their Tamaroak Partners', they are also a part of Lloyd Madison Farm, who has campaigned stars such as Champali and Sconsin.
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