Facebook Connect

Ring Weekend Seeks 2nd Kilroe Mile Win / Friday, March 10, 2017

Ring Weekend seeks his second Frank E. Kilroe Mile (G1) win when he takes on six rivals on Saturday at Santa Anita. The son of Tapit won the 2015 running of the Kilroe, making a sweeping move on the turn and finishing like a freight train.

One of two millionaires in the field, Ring Weekend was a fast-closing fourth in the Arcadia Stakes on February 11.

Says trainer Graham Motion, “It was hard not to be disappointed after the Arcadia. Ring Weekend ran a big race and was in front a few jumps after the wire. He and Bolo galloped out well in front of the field, and he simply ran too well to be fourth.”

 

As a 3-year-old Ring Weekend won the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Saranac (G3), and Hill Prince (G3) before notching the biggest win of his career in the the Kilroe (G1) as 4-year-old. Following over a year long hiatus from racing, he set a track record in the Bernard Baruch (G2) at Saratoga in 2016 before coming back to California for the Breeders’ Cup (where he got beat only three lengths) and the Seabiscuit (G2).

West Point and Vinnie and Teresa Viola of St. Elias Stables purchased Ring Weekend for $310,000 at the 2012 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Viola and West Point president Terry Finley are both graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point and named the chestnut colt after an Academy traditional where senior cadets are awarded their class rings.

Last year, Olympic level 3-day event rider Phillip Dutton joined the West Point Thoroughbreds partnership group that owns Ring Weekend. Following a busy year competing all over the world, Phillip and his wife Evie attended the 2016 Breeders’ Cup. Read about how the Duttons became involved.

Post time for the 9th at Santa Anita is 4:30 PT/7:30 ET on Saturday. Ring Weekend breaks from post 5 in the field of 7 under Rafael Bejarano.

Playlist of Ring Weekend’s major victories:

Weekend’s major victories:



How Much Does It Cost to Own A Racehorse With West Point Thoroughbreds?

Get the FREE report!