Jorge Ruiz Díaz shines at Laurel Park: hat-trick and victory in the Futurity
The Argentine jockey enjoyed a standout card, scoring with Meadowlark Drive, Grayosh, and the undefeated Coast Highway, who emerged victorious following a chaotic finish
LAUREL, Maryland (Special for Turf Diario).— Three victories on the turf and a stakes triumph capped off a night of immense satisfaction for Jorge Ruiz Díaz at Laurel Park. The Argentine jockey, who sits second in the standings, once again showcased his excellent form in the United States by visiting the winner's circle with Meadowlark Drive(Munnings), Grayosh (Yoshida), and Coast Highway, taking the Laurel Futurity (1,700 m, US$ 125,000) for 2-year-olds aboard the latter.
The joy from the main event of the afternoon had to wait, however. A lengthy stewards' inquiry and two jockeys' objections held the result in suspense following a chaotic trip and a late-stretch accident. Ultimately, the official result confirmed the victory for the Amerman Racing representative, trained by Graham Motion, maintaining his unbeaten record in 2 career starts.
Over a soft turf course following heavy rain, Ruiz Díaz positioned Coast Highway wide in the second half of the field while Fullcup (Authentic) and Bishop Moon (Holy Boss) set the pace through initial quarters of 24s63 and 51s02.
Trouble escalated around the far turn. The eventual winner was bumped out four-wide, while Broadcast (Into Mischief), making progress along his inside, was forced to check heavily. Passing 1,200 meters in 1m17s12, Fullcupdrifted off the rail, opening a gap that Broadcast exploited to launch his inner rally.
The most serious incident unfolded down the lane. Coast Highway drifted inward slightly as Fullcup bore out, leaving Howard’s Hope (Karakontie) caught in the middle. Howard’s Hope clipped heels and went down, unseating jockey José Lezcano. Up front, the Argentine rider's mount dug in to hold off the late surge of Broadcast by a head, stopping the clock in 1m48s38.
Mychel Sánchez, aboard the runner-up, and Chantal Sutherland, riding Perfect Dream (Corniche), both lodged objections against Ruiz Díaz, but their claims were overruled. The stewards deemed Fullcup responsible for the incident that brought down Howard’s Hope, disqualifying him from third to sixth.
During the inquiry, Ruiz Díaz explained that, in his view, Sánchez had initiated the initial contact when attempting to angle outward around the turn. Following the review, the Argentine jockey was cleared to celebrate his third win of the afternoon.
Howard’s Hope walked off the course under his own power. Lezcano, complaining of dizziness and shoulder pain, was transported to a local medical center for precautionary X-rays. Track officials reported initially that he retained full mobility in his joints.
For Coast Highway, the Laurel Futurity marked an immediate step up in class. The son of Corniche had debuted on September 4 at Colonial Downs, capturing a maiden special weight by 3 3/4 lengths over 1,100 meters, also under Ruiz Díaz.
Bred in Kentucky by New Horizon Farm, he was purchased for $25,000 as a yearling before being acquired by Amerman Racing for $105,000 at the OBS Spring Sale of 2-Year-Olds in Training. He now becomes the third stakes winner from the first crop of Corniche.
For Ruiz Díaz, the card delivered both quantity and quality. The victories with Meadowlark Drive and Grayosh found their ultimate crown in the Laurel Futurity, another major accomplishment for an Argentine jockey who continues to showcase his skill across American racetracks.
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