In a thrilling series of events at the Fair Grounds Race Course on December 21, 2024, four horses etched their names into the annals of racing history. The day saw impressive victories in the Untapable Stakes, Tenacious Stakes, Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes, and Richard R. Scherer Memorial Stakes. These races showcased not only the skill of the jockeys but also the remarkable talent of the horses, each adding significant milestones to their careers.
Her Laugh Dominates the Untapable Stakes
On a crisp winter afternoon, Her Laugh, a two-year-old filly trained by Whit Beckman, took center stage in the $100,000 Untapable Stakes. Under the guidance of jockey Axel Concepción, she surged ahead from the start and never looked back. With a final time of 1:43.72, Her Laugh secured a commanding victory by 2.5 lengths over Golden Gamble, earning 10 points toward the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks. The filly's performance was nothing short of spectacular, as she maintained a composed and steady pace throughout the race. Beckman praised Concepción's strategy, noting that it was "perfect" for the day's conditions. This win marked Her Laugh's second consecutive victory, bringing her total earnings to $102,000.
Saudi Crown Reigns Supreme in the Tenacious Stakes
The $100,000 Tenacious Stakes saw the return of Grade 1 winner Saudi Crown, who once again demonstrated his prowess on the track. Trained by Brad Cox and ridden by Florent Géroux, Saudi Crown made a decisive move past the quarter pole, pulling away from Track Phantom to claim victory in a time of 1:42.35. This performance was just shy of the track record set in 2022. Cox explained that they chose this race to help rebuild Saudi Crown's confidence after a challenging season. Géroux commended the horse's relaxed demeanor and powerful finish, stating that he was "by far the class of the race." Saudi Crown has now accumulated $3,130,985 in career earnings with an impressive 6 wins out of 12 starts.
Gigante Overcomes Early Setbacks to Win the Buddy Diliberto Memorial
In the $100,000 Buddy Diliberto Memorial Stakes, Gigante faced an early challenge but emerged victorious. Despite a somewhat awkward start, the horse, trained by Steve Asmussen and ridden by José Ortiz, recovered swiftly. Covering the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.62, Gigante held off late challenges to win by one length. Ortiz praised the horse's resilience and noted how smoothly he performed once settled into the race. Asmussen expressed pride in winning a race named after the late New Orleans sports-media personality Buddy Diliberto, calling it a great honor. Gigante's career now boasts 7 wins from 18 starts, with earnings totaling $1,127,650.
Bear River Claims Victory in the Richard R. Scherer Memorial
The day concluded with Bear River's triumph in the $100,000 Richard R. Scherer Memorial. Trained by Keith Desormeaux and ridden by Axel Concepción, Bear River led wire-to-wire, finishing 2.25 lengths ahead of Minnesota Ready. Completing the 5.5 furlongs in 1:03.61, Bear River's performance highlighted both speed and endurance. Desormeaux reflected on the horse's consistency, acknowledging his soundness despite a busy 2024 campaign. Concepción emphasized the importance of a strong start, noting how well Bear River relaxed thereafter. This win added another chapter to Bear River's career, which now includes 5 wins from 18 starts and earnings of $383,848.
From a journalist's perspective, these races exemplify the unpredictable yet exhilarating nature of horse racing. Each victory underscores the dedication of trainers, jockeys, and owners, as well as the sheer athleticism of the horses. The success of these young and seasoned champions alike serves as a reminder of the sport's enduring appeal and the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines it.