Westwood Leads Group of Seven Graded Stakes Winners in Thursday Workouts
On Thursday, a notable group of seven graded stakes winners participated in training sessions, with the four-year-old gelding Westwood leading the charge. This marked his first appearance on the track since his performance in the Grade 2 New Orleans Classic in March. The collective activity of these elite racehorses signals ongoing preparations for future competitions, providing a glimpse into the routines of top-tier contenders in the equestrian sport.
Westwood Returns to Training; Six Other Graded Stakes Winners Work Out
In a significant development for the horse racing community, Westwood, a four-year-old gelding by Authentic, commenced his training regimen on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at The Thoroughbred Center. This workout was his first since participating in the Grade 2 New Orleans Classic on March 21, where he placed fifth. Westwood completed three furlongs in 37.4 seconds, achieving the second-fastest time among eight horses at that distance.
Under the guidance of trainer Peter Eurton, Westwood began his racing career impressively, breaking his maiden at Del Mar in August and subsequently securing top-three finishes in his next four starts. His victories include a notable win in the San Pasqual (G2) before a less favorable outcome in the New Orleans Classic.
Beyond Westwood, six other horses with graded stakes victories also recorded published workouts on Thursday. These included: Banishing (Ghostzapper), a Grade 2 winner from the 2025 Charles Town Classic, who worked three furlongs in 39.0 seconds at Churchill Training; Offlee Naughty (Flashback), a Grade 2 winner from the 2023 Charles Whittingham, completing five furlongs in 1:02.8 at Woodbine; Roja (Karakontie), a Grade 2 winner from the 2026 Intercontinental, running four furlongs in 51.8 seconds at Fair Hill; Heroic Move (Quality Road), a two-time Grade 3 winner from the 2026 and 2024 Steve Sexton Mile, clocking four furlongs in 49.6 seconds at Remington Park; Intricate Spirit (Complexity), a Grade 3 winner from the 2025 Futurity, achieving the fastest time at four furlongs in 48.3 seconds at Saratoga; and Love Cervere (Into Mischief), a Grade 3 winner from the 2025 Glen Cove, who worked four furlongs in 49.9 seconds at Saratoga.
The return of Westwood to training, alongside the active schedules of other prominent graded stakes winners, highlights the rigorous preparation and dedication required in professional horse racing. These workouts are critical for maintaining the horses' fitness and readiness for upcoming competitive events, underlining the dynamic nature of the sport and the constant pursuit of excellence by trainers and their equine athletes.