Spirit of St Louis Achieves $2 Million Milestone with West Point Stakes Victory at Saratoga
In a thrilling display of equine prowess, Spirit of St Louis, a seasoned contender in the racing world, has once again graced the winner's circle. His recent triumph in the West Point Stakes at Saratoga not only secured a hefty purse but also propelled his total career earnings beyond the remarkable $2 million threshold. This achievement underscores the gelding's enduring spirit and the meticulous care provided by his trainers.
Spirit of St Louis Triumphs at Saratoga, Surpassing $2 Million in Career Earnings
On a balmy Friday evening, August 28, 2026, at the historic Saratoga Race Course, the equine world witnessed a memorable victory. Spirit of St Louis, a distinguished seven-year-old Medaglia d’Oro gelding, showcased an exemplary performance under the expert guidance of jockey Manny Franco. The dynamic duo clinched the $200,000 West Point Stakes, a challenging 1 1/16-mile turf route designated for New York-breds aged three and older.
This victory was particularly sweet for Spirit of St Louis, who had previously settled for second place in the 2023 and 2024 editions of the same race. With this win, the horse added a substantial $110,000 to his coffers, elevating his total career earnings to an impressive $2,035,000. The triumph was a testament to the strategic training regimen implemented by five-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Chad Brown, who oversees the horse for Madaket Stables, Michael Dubb, and Richard Schermerhorn.
Brown lauded the gelding's tenacity, remarking on the difficulty of reaching such an earnings milestone through sheer hard work across various tracks and competition levels. He also credited his dedicated team for maintaining the horse's excellent health and condition, allowing him to compete at such a high level even at his age. Jockey Manny Franco, currently enjoying a stellar career year, also received high praise from Brown for his confident and hardworking approach, which was evident in his perfect trip on Spirit of St Louis.
The race itself unfolded with Mi Bago setting a brisk pace from the third post, closely pursued by Itsallcomintogetha. Spirit of St Louis, starting from the inside post, conserved energy in fifth position before making a decisive move on the final turn. Tipping out wide, he overtook the then-leader Sounds Like a Plan, ultimately securing a half-length victory in a final time of 1:40.03 on the firm turf. Sounds Like a Plan finished second, just ahead of George Briggs. The remaining field included Tonka Warrior, Mi Bago, Leon Blue, Itsallcomintogetha, and Russian Realm. Several other contenders were scratched from the event.
Trainer Horacio De Paz expressed pride in Sounds Like a Plan's performance, noting his horse's ability to adapt to a different race dynamic. Meanwhile, Mi Bago's jockey, José Ortiz, attributed his mount's less-than-ideal finish to constant pressure from competitors and potentially soft ground conditions. Despite a history of mixed results at Saratoga, Spirit of St Louis's latest win, which improves his record to 12 wins, 5 seconds, and 1 third from 24 starts, demonstrates his remarkable ability to thrive under pressure, rewarding his backers with a $10.74 payout for a $2 win bet.
The journey of Spirit of St Louis offers a compelling narrative of perseverance and strategic excellence in horse racing. His consistent performance, especially his ability to overcome previous setbacks in the West Point Stakes, truly embodies the spirit of a champion. This victory serves as an inspiring reminder that dedication, meticulous care, and a well-executed plan can lead to extraordinary achievements, even for seasoned athletes. It also highlights the intricate dynamics of turf racing, where the slightest advantage or a perfectly timed move can dictate the outcome, captivating audiences and enriching the legacy of the sport.