Ellis Park in Henderson, Kentucky, has named 2015 champion sprinter and Central Kentucky sire Runhappy as the title sponsor of the track's 100th season, which runs from July 8 through August 28.
The Runhappy Meet at Ellis Park will be highlighted by five stakes races on August 14, including the $200,000 Runhappy Ellis Park Derby, $100,000 Runhappy Audubon Oaks, $125,000 Runhappy Ellis Park Juvenile, $125,000 Runhappy Ellis Park Debutante, and the $125,000 Groupie Doll Stakes. Previously known as Kentucky Downs Preview Day, the day is now titled for one of the track's most famous graduates.
“Runhappy won at Ellis Park during the summer of his Eclipse championship season, so we're happy and excited to support the upcoming race meet again, especially on the 100th anniversary of the track,” said Jim “Mattress Mack” McIngvale, CEO of Gallery Furniture and owner of Runhappy.
Runhappy was undefeated in sprint competition. The son of Super Saver captured seven of his 10 career starts from 2014-2016, all medication free, including the 2015 Grade 1 Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) in a track record at Keeneland, completing the six furlongs in 1:08.54. He also captured that year's Grade 1 King's Bishop at Saratoga by four lengths while finishing seven furlongs in a stakes record time of 1:20.54. He earned more than $1.4 million during his racing career.
Following his retirement from the racetrack in 2016, Runhappy was added to the stallion roster at Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky, and he resides in Secretariat's old stall.
Runhappy ranked fourth among second-crop sires in 2021 and is currently eighth among third-crop sires. His progeny account for more than $7.5 million in earnings. Notable Runhappy offspring include graded stakes winners Smile Happy and Following Sea.
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