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Lady’s Island Successfully Defends Title In Sugar Swirl At Gulfstream Park

Averill Racing LLC and Matties Racing's Lady's Island survived an inquiry to successful defend her title in the $100,000 Sugar Swirl (G3) at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

The Sugar Swirl, a six-furlong sprint for fillies and mares, was one of five stakes on Saturday's program, including the $200,000 Fort Lauderdale (G2), a key prep for the $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf Invitational (G1) at Gulfstream Jan. 23.

Lady's Island's front-running score came a day after owner Rich Averill and his partners retired their 10-year-old turf sprint star Pay Any Price following a second-place finish in Friday's last race at Gulfstream.

“I have had a couple of emotional days,” said trainer Georgina Baxter. “I am so pleased she was able to defend her crown. They write her off, but to me, where she's right, she's one of the quickest fillies in America.”

The 6-year-old daughter of Greatness ($11) broke alertly under Emisael Jaramillo to show the way along the backstretch on her way to setting fractions of 22.12 and 44.54 seconds for a half mile. She continued to show the way into the stretch and maintained her lead while steadily drifting out. The Florida-bred mare shortened stride late but was able to hold off a late-running Bronx Beauty by a head.

Cinnabunny, the even-money favorite ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., closed steadily in the stretch while racing in tight quarters to finish third, three-quarters of a length back. Lady's Island ran six furlongs in 1:10.46.

Ortiz filed an objection, but after a lengthy review, the stewards made no change in the order of finish.

The successful title defense was the 17th victory in 34 career starts for Lady's Island, who scored a front-running 9 ¾-length victory in last season's Sugar Swirl.

“We don't know what the future holds for her,” said Averill. “This could be one of her last races.”

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‘We Have High Hopes For Him’: $900,000 Quality Road Colt Prime Factor Romps In Debut For Pletcher

WinStar Farm LLC and CHC Inc.'s Prime Factor appears ready for prime time following the Todd Pletcher's trainee's sparkling debut Saturday at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach, Fla.

The 2-year-old son of Quality Road crossed the finish line under wraps while scoring by 8 ¾ lengths in the six-furlong maiden special weight race carded as Race 2 on a program that featured the $200,000 Fort Lauderdale (G2) and four other stakes.

Bred by Two Hearts Farm LLC and purchased for $900,000 from the Legacy Bloodstock consignment at the 2019 Keeneland September sale, Prime Factor broke alertly from the starting gate to sit alongside pacesetter Dr. Duke along the backstretch and around the far turn before assuming the lead on the turn into the homestretch. The Kentucky-bred colt quickly accelerated at the top of the stretch under mild encouragement from jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. before completing the final eighth of a mile under wraps.

“It was a very professional debut. He broke well and put himself in a good spot. It looked like he was taking Irad wherever he wanted him to go throughout the race,” Pletcher said. “He's been training exceptionally well. We were looking forward to a good debut. Honestly, he exceeded expectations.”

Prime Factor ($6.20), who ran six furlongs in 1:10.38, is out of the Bernardini mare Hailey Brae, a half-sister to Speightster.

“We'll talk to Elliott [Walden] and the guys at WinStar and CHC and come up with a game plan,” Pletcher said. “The good thing about this time of year is there's pretty good options all around. We have high hopes for him.”

Pletcher-trained Bracken, a debuting son of Speightster for Robert and Lawana Low, closed to finish second behind Prime Factor.

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Equine Insurer Sylvester Kiger Jr. Passes; Insured Triple Crown Winners Seattle Slew, Affirmed

Longtime Central Kentucky equine insurer Sylvester Kiger Jr. died in Lexington on Dec. 8 at the age of 86.

Kiger began his career in the equine insurance business in 1962 when he was invited to join the Kentucky Insurance Agency by Leslie Combs II. He was associated with Fasig-Tipton for many years and started his own agency with Jerry Parks, the Kiger-Parks Insurance Group in 1984. He continued with Kiger Insurance until his death.

Over the years, he insured Kentucky Derby, Oaks and Breeders Cup winners and two Triple Crown winners – Seattle Slew and Affirmed. His clientele included many well-known actors and sports figures.

Born to Sylvester Kiger and Edna Mae Nikirk Kiger, Syl Kiger was a graduate of Henry Clay High School in Lexington. He was inducted into the Henry Clay Hall of Fame in 2018. Following graduation, he worked at the Lexington Public Library and moonlighted at Bluegrass Billiards until 1962. He volunteered for the U.S. Army and was stationed at Thule Air Base in Thule, Greenland, as a Computer/Radar Specialist.

Kiger was political coordinator for Kentucky House Speaker William G. Kenton, who introduced legislation establishing the Kentucky Horse Park. He also served on the Lexington Fayette County Human Rights Commission, the Lexington Public Library Advisory Board, as President of the Underwriters at Lloyd's Agents Association and the Central Kentucky YMCA Men's Club. He was a featured speaker in the “Davis Bottom History Preservation Project” sponsored by the Kentucky Heritage Council.

As important as any of his official recognitions however, Syl is known for his many acts of kindness toward the less fortunate in Lexington, especially those in the inner city.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy Lowe, children Kige Hayes Kiger and Cassie Kiger (Jackson), and a special niece, Olivia Lowe.

An event for family and friends to gather in the spring to honor his life is planned. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to the Central Kentucky YMCA or a charity of your choice.

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Tom Amoss Named Big Sport Of Turfdom Recipient By Turf Publicists

The Turf Publicists of America (TPA) announced that trainer Tom Amoss is the recipient of the 2020 Big Sport of Turfdom award, which recognizes a person or group of people who enhances coverage of Thoroughbred racing through cooperation with media and racing publicists.

The announcement was made as part of NYRA's America's Day at the Races on FOX Sports Saturday afternoon.

Amoss has amassed more than 3,800 victories and earnings of more than $107 million during his training career, highlighted by Serengeti Empress, winner of the 2019 Kentucky Oaks (G1) and 2020 Ballerina Stakes (G1) and Azeri Stakes (G2), among others; 2020 Woody Stephens Stakes Presented by Claiborne Farm (G1) winner No Parole; and 2020 Ohio Derby (G3) winner Dean Martini.

In addition to his training career, Amoss has served as a racing analyst for TVG, ESPN, NYRA TV and FOX Sports.

“Tom Amoss' passion for racing, and his generously sharing his knowledge with fans through his broadcast work, is the embodiment of the Big Sport of Turfdom award,” TPA President Amy Gregory said. “He understands the importance of educating fans and conveying why they should love this sport. We congratulate Tom on his racing success and on winning this year's award.”

A native of New Orleans, Amoss began his racing career in high school working for Racing Hall of Fame trainer Jack Van Berg. After graduating from Louisiana State University, he worked for trainer Frank Brothers, as a veterinary assistant for Backstretch Surgery & Medicine and as an assistant trainer to both Larry Robideaux and John Parisella. He took out his trainer's license in 1987.

In addition to the aforementioned Serengeti Empress, No Parole and Dean Martini, Amoss trained Grade 1 winners Heritage of Gold and Big World as well as such graded stakes winners Chocolate Martini, Lone Sailor, Mo Tom, Venus Valentine, Grand Contender, Delaunay, Sum of the Parts, Backtalk, Rush and Baghdaria. Amoss finished third in the 2013 Preakness Stakes (G1) with Mylute.

Inducted into the Fair Grounds Racing Hall of Fame in 1998, he has earned leading trainer titles at Fair Grounds, Churchill Downs, Ellis Park, Kentucky Downs, Hoosier Park, Indiana Grand and Presque Isle Downs.

This year has marked a time of professional highs and personal lows for Amoss. His father, Walter James Amoss Jr., died of COVID-19 in late March at the age of 95. Amoss himself quarantined in March after being exposed to the virus.

“I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of the Big Sport of Turfdom award,” Amoss said. “Please be assured I will wear it proudly and respectfully.”

The Big Sport of Turfdom award is presented to the winner at the University of Arizona Race Track Industry Program's annual awards luncheon, which is part of the Symposium on Racing & Gaming. Due to cancellation of this year's Symposium as a result of the pandemic, Amoss will be recognized next year along with the 2021 Big Sport of Turfdom award winner.

The Big Sport of Turfdom has been presented annually since 1966. Trainer Mark Casse received the award last year, joining such previous winners as jockeys Mike Smith, Pat Day, Chris McCarron, Bill Shoemaker, Angel Cordero Jr., Eddie Arcaro and Gary Stevens; trainers Art Sherman, Bob Baffert, D. Wayne Lukas and Jack Van Berg; two-time winner Penny Chenery, owner of Secretariat; announcer Tom Durkin, author Laura Hillenbrand, broadcaster Jim McKay, Turf writer Joe Hirsch and actors Tim Conway and Jack Klugman.

A complete list of Big Sport of Turfdom winners is available online at http://www.turfpublicists.com/awards.html.

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