Trainer Hennig Returns to Breeders' Cup with Promising Filly Rum Twist
Veteran trainer Mark Hennig is once again making his way to the prestigious Breeders' Cup, this time with the talented two-year-old filly, Rum Twist. Her participation in the upcoming Juvenile Fillies race marks Hennig's fifteenth entry into this highly anticipated event. The connections are optimistic about her prospects, particularly as the race offers a new challenge with a two-turn configuration, which her trainer believes will perfectly complement her developing stamina.
Trainer Mark Hennig and Filly Rum Twist Eye Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Glory
In a thrilling development for the horse racing world, trainer Mark Hennig confirmed on October 16, 2026, that his promising two-year-old filly, Rum Twist, will be among the contenders in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies at Keeneland on October 30. This highly anticipated event will mark Hennig's fifteenth starter in the Breeders' Cup, a testament to his enduring presence and skill in the sport.
Rum Twist, a Mandaloun bay, recently showcased her potential with a strong performance at Belmont Park on October 3. She secured a commendable second-place finish, trailing only Dotsy, in the Grade 1 Frizette. This one-turn mile race saw her achieve a career-best 78 Beyer Speed Figure from Daily Racing Form, and her efforts earned a valuable $15,000 credit towards Breeders' Cup entry fees through the "dirt dozen" series, along with five crucial Kentucky Oaks qualifying points.
Hennig expressed immense satisfaction with his filly's current condition, stating, "She's been doing great since the race. She's doing awesome. She's really sharp. She almost acts like she knows she got beat. It looks like she is looking forward to being back out there, honestly." This eagerness to compete, coupled with her improving form, bodes well for her Breeders' Cup campaign.
All four of Rum Twist's previous starts have been around one turn, with her breaking her maiden at Saratoga on September 5 in a seven-furlong sprint. The Juvenile Fillies, however, will present a new test, covering a 1 1/16-mile distance with two turns. Hennig views this as an advantage for Rum Twist, remarking, "I'm looking forward to it. I think that ultimately it will be the further the better for her. Hopefully, the two turns bear out the way I think it will." The race also offers significant Kentucky Oaks qualifying points, with 30-15-9-6-3 points awarded to the top finishers.
Hennig's most notable Breeders' Cup performance to date was with the Ontario-bred Demaloot Demashoot, who finished a strong fifth in the 1993 Grade 1 Sprint at Santa Anita Park. While nearly three decades have passed, Hennig is thrilled to return to the prestigious event, especially for Lee Lewis, for whom Rum Twist competes. The Kentucky-bred filly, out of the winning Congrats mare Rumandice, boasts a record of 4: 1-2-0 and has accumulated $193,150 in earnings. Her pedigree is also noteworthy, with her Grade 3-placed second dam, Chasethegold, being a half-sister to Grade 1-winners Daredevil and Albertus Maximus.
Looking ahead, Hennig also shared insights into his winter plans for his stable. While a portion of his horses will head to Florida, he plans to keep some at Belmont for the winter meet, which will exclusively feature races on the newly installed Tapeta track. He intends to experiment with how his horses adapt to the new surface, stating, "If they don't handle it, they'll go to Florida for the grass, but we'll play that by ear."
The return of seasoned trainers like Mark Hennig to the Breeders' Cup, coupled with the excitement surrounding promising young talents like Rum Twist, truly underscores the enduring appeal and competitive spirit of horse racing. Her journey to the Breeders' Cup, marked by a blend of raw talent and strategic training, offers an inspiring narrative for racing enthusiasts.