On the Louisiana Champions Day card, state-bred horses were center stage, with Grand Luwegee, winner of the 2020 Champions Day Classic, repeating his winning performance at Fair Grounds in New Orleans, La.
A year after he dueled with Shang in the stretch and eked out a Classic win by a head, the 6-year-old was fastest away from the gate, taking the lead over Pound for Pound and Unrestricted into the first turn. He maintained that lead down the backstretch, moving out to a two-length advantage over Pound for Pound and Highland Creek. Into the far turn, Grand Luwegee held on in the face of challenges from those two as they entered the stretch.
Down the Fair Grounds straight, Grand Luwegee was two lengths to the good as Highland Creek passed Pound for Pound midstretch. The 2020 victor had no trouble repeating in 2021, stretching his lead out to three lengths at the wire. Highland Creek was second and Pound for Pound held on for third. Jimi's a Star, Secret Vista, Mageez, and Unrestricted rounded out the order of finish.
The final time was 1:51.00. Find this race's chart here.
Grand Luwegee paid $8.00, $3.40, and $2.60. Highland Creek paid $3.00 and $2.20. Pound for Pound paid $2.20.
Bred in Louisiana by trainer/owner Gerard Perron, Grand Luwegee is by El Corredor out of the Gold Fever mare Magical Mia. With his win in the Lousiana Champions Day Classic, the 6-year-old horse has two wins in nine starts in 2021, for a lifetime record of eight wins in 30 starts and career earnings of $491,150.
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