The two-legged Bellhouse got an early Christmas present when his four-legged namesake broke his maiden on the 20th try at Parx Racing and Casino on Nov. 27.
“We thought maybe this Christmas he’d end up posing as a pony with a big bow around his neck behind some lucky kid’s house,” West Point’s Executive Vice President Tom Bellhouse joked. “He must have heard rumors that it was time to get the job done. I’m not sure what he thought about going to the winner’s circle because he’s so used to his routine – heading straight back to the barn!”
The two-legged Bellhouse got an early Christmas present when his four-legged namesake broke his maiden on the 20th try at Parx Racing and Casino on Nov. 27.
“We thought maybe this Christmas he’d end up posing as a pony with a big bow around his neck behind some lucky kid’s house,” West Point’s Executive Vice President Tom Bellhouse joked. “He must have heard rumors that it was time to get the job done. I’m not sure what he thought about going to the winner’s circle because he’s so used to his routine – heading straight back to the barn!”
Bellhouse vied for command inside, opened a clear lead mid-stretch, and was under mild handling late by jockey Jose Ferrer as he drew off to a 1 ¾-length victory in a six furlong maiden claiming event at Parx. He came into the race off a Nov. 11 third at Parx for trainer Lupe Preciado.
Our 4-year-old son of Forest Danger always runs competitively and has paid his way with a series of on-the-board finishes, but just never got the big money.
“It felt pretty good to get this win for the team,” Preciado said. “Hopefully he’s figured out what it’s all about and we don’t have to wait 20 more starts for another one with this horse!”
