Thoroughbreds are raised to run races and while its important for them to take a spell, it’s also critical for them to run the races as soon as they are ready. The horse racing industry knows that when horses are physically and mentally prepared, they are happiest when running fast the way they have been trained to do so.
That is why despite the lockdown orders some time in mid-March, some races were allowed to continue behind closed doors. Nonetheless, only the necessary personnel were allowed to participate, such as the jockeys, trainers and stewarts.
Although in other states, horse racing did not resume until around May and June, the state of Florida made a difference by providing the thoroughbreds the races they needed to run in despite the ongoing pandemic.
Some time in February, and before the closed door races in Tampa Bay Downs, “Domestic Spending,” a 3-year old gelding ran its maiden race and proved ready. The horse demonstrated full understanding of the nuances it committed to memory after months of training. After which, “Domestic Spending” went on to perform impressively when he ran an allowance race at Belmont Park in New York last June 07, 2020.
An offspring of “Son of Kingman,” the thoroughbred then went to compete in the National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes (G2T) at the Saratoga Race Course in July and came out with a strong finish. “Domestic Spending” emerged as third top finisher next to “Get Smokin,” while “Decorated Invader” triumphed as the race winner.
Finally, “Domestic Spending” proved its mettle by achieving its first win in the Saratoga Derby last August 15, 2020. The gelding’s rider Irad Ortiz Jr. said the 3-year old thoroughbred responded really well, running much closer to the pace compared to its previous performances in the three starts.
Knowing that “Domestic Spending” has what it takes to make a strong finish, Ortiz, Jr. said he kept riding until they got the jump in the final eighth pole, when they started switching leads with “Gulfo;” until they finally held the lead all the way to the finish line.
Readers who want to know more about “Domestic Spending” can continue reading about the thoroughbred at Blood-Horse magazine. The horse racing resource website not only carries the latest results of horse race meets, but also bloodstock information by way of its Stallion Register, True Nicks and Auction.