Monmouth Park Pays Tribute to Book’em Danno, Its Champion

The top sprinter of 2025 will be the standout star of a card designed especially in his honor this Friday, in the prelude to the Haskell Stakes. Unbeaten in three starts over the New Jersey track, he will headline the Mr. Prospector Stakes with the Breeders’ Cup Sprint once again on the horizon

OCEANPORT, New Jersey (Special to Turf Diario).- This Saturday, the Haskell Stakes (G1) will bring together several of the best colts in the United States, and perhaps the future champion of the generation will emerge from it. However, to see a reigning Eclipse Award winner in action, racing fans will need to visit Monmouth Park a day earlier.

Book’em Danno, voted Champion Male Sprinter of 2025, will be the absolute protagonist this Friday of the so-called “Book’em Danno Day,” a card designed to honor one of the most important horses to emerge from New Jersey and, at the same time, give a special boost to the track on the eve of its most significant racing date.

The Atlantic Six Racing color-bearer will headline the Mr. Prospector Stakes (L-1200 m, dirt), which raised its purse from $100,000 to $200,000 especially for his participation and, following a couple of scratches, will likely feature seven competitors.

Beyond the result, the afternoon will carry a profound emotional meaning. Most members of the ownership partnership live near Monmouth Park and will be able to share the champion's presence alongside family, friends, and fans who followed his extraordinary campaign.

“A lot of the owners live near the track and will be able to have their families and friends there to watch him run,” explained trainer Derek Ryan, who revealed that the idea began to take shape during conversations held at the Eclipse Awards ceremony with Dennis Drazin, Chairman and CEO of Monmouth Park.

The recognition will not be limited to the name of the day. The first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a Book’em Danno t-shirt, while residents of Oceanport will receive free admission to the racetrack.

For Jay Briscione, head of the ownership group, it will be a true home game. Born and raised in Oceanport, he deeply understands the city's historical relationship with Monmouth and also the economic challenges the venue has faced to sustain itself.

“It’s my racetrack. I grew up in Oceanport, and the track was always part of the city’s identity. It is very special to have New Jersey’s most successful horse and to see him recognized here,” Briscione commented.

Book’em Danno is one of just two New Jersey-bred horses to ever win an Eclipse Award. Bred by Gregory Kilka and Bright View Farm, the son of Bucchero bankrolls over $2,100,000 in earnings, an absolute record for a New Jersey-bred individual.

His story holds even more value because he is a horse that not only reached the national elite but also maintained a strong connection with the local public. At Monmouth Park, he stands undefeated in three presentations, and each of his appearances has generated a special turnout.

Briscione expressed special gratitude for the work of Drazin and racing executives John Heims, Bill Anderson, and Brian Skirka to put together both the race and the tribute. He also noted that the champion’s presence could serve to attract new spectators during a delicate time for the future of the sport in the region.

“Monmouth is trying to survive and needs a guaranteed revenue stream, like the slot machines that other tracks in the area have. I hope there is a big crowd on Friday. We have seen too many racetracks disappear, and losing Monmouth would be a disaster,” he stated.

“We are doing our part to get a good turnout. Danno has a massive following, and hopefully, his presence can double the attendance,” he added.

Book’em Danno will enter the Mr. Prospector in excellent form. In his most recent performance, he captured the True North Stakes (G3) at Saratoga, defeating Bentornato (Valiant Minister), winner of the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Sprint(G1).

That performance confirmed that the gelding remains at the top of the sprint division and retains the power that led him to receive the highest accolade of the previous season.

“Every race is tough, but he comes into it very well, and we are ready,” remarked Ryan, confident that his pupil will deliver another performance fitting of his class.