West Point Thoroughbreds’ Seven Trumpets became trainer Dale Romans’ 701st winner at Churchill Downs when he prevailed by over three lengths on opening day of the Fall Meet. This was an extra special win for the Louisville native, as he is now tied with Bill Mott for most wins ever beneath the Twin Spires. Read more on Paulick Report.

West Point Thoroughbreds’ Seven Trumpets became trainer Dale Romans’ 701st winner at Churchill Downs when he prevailed by over three lengths on opening day of the Fall Meet. This was an extra special win for the Louisville native, as he is now tied with Bill Mott for most wins ever beneath the Twin Spires. Read more on Paulick Report.

A number of West Point Partners celebrated the win with EVP Jeff Lifson, Romans’ longtime assistant Baldemar Bahena, and jockey Robby Albarado. Dale is in California preparing his horses for the Breeders’ Cup and was not in Louisville for the milestone win.

Seven Trumpets is a juvenile colt by Morning Line who was purchased by the West Point buying team at the OBS April 2-Year-Olds in Training Sale in Ocala. He debuted in mid-July at Ellis Park and was well beaten as the favorite.

After exiting that race with a tender shin, he was treated and slated to return Labor Day weekend at Ellis. Races were canceled due to a deluge of rain, and it turned out to be a blessing in disguise that he didn’t face the starter then.

In early September the colt “went out the back door” and was well beaten in a workout in company at Churchill. Romans then started him on an intense schooling regime, in which he worked in and amongst horses every week, took dirt, and was taught to remain confident while in tight quarters.

The schooling paid off, as he was much the best in his second trip the races, sitting just off the pace and accelerating when Albarado “hit the button” at the top of the stretch.

“I’ve touted this horse since he arrived at my barn around Derby time,” said Romans. “He ran too bad to be believed first time out. I was shocked to see him get beat 20 lengths. Sometimes when they run that poorly first time, it’s not about their talent, it’s just lack of experience. Thank you to the West Point team and Partners for being patient and giving me and my team time to get the colt headed in the right direction.”

Seven Trumpets will likely face winners at the end of the Churchill meet before heading to Gulfstream Park to prepare for his 3-year-old campaign.

Seven Trumpets at the sale in April: