News - Racing March  28, 2024

First Corona Prize Wins Magnolia After Disqualification


First Prize Corona (#2), under jockey Antonio Alberto, battle post-time favorite Kr Jess Hopeful down the stretch.

© Hodges Photography / Ann Switalski

BOSSIER, CITY, LA—FEBRUARY 6, 2016—First Corona Prize got his first career stakes win on Saturday in the $25,000 Magnolia Stakes at Louisiana Downs. Rakin In The Jax, who was a three-length winner under jockey Alfonso, was disqualified and placed last coming out without being clear and initiating a chain reaction of interference. Sheza Gamer was moved to second and post-time favorite Kr Jess Hopeful moved up for the show position.

There was a stewards' inquiry into the jostling that occurred among all but Sheza Gamer upper stretch and the rider of First Corona Prize lodged an objection claiming interference from Rakin In The Jax upper stretch. After the stewards' review, Rakin In The Jax was disqualified and placed last.

Kelli Smith conditions First Corona Prize for owner Joseph Landreneau. Bred by Charles and Irma Lyles, the son of First Prize Perry was bumped and jostled down the stretch under jockey Antonio Alberto, but finished the 870 yard course in :48.091 seconds.

First Corona Prize boosted his career record to (10) 5-1-0 and used the $15,000 Magnolia winners' purse to bring his earnings total to over $81,000. The Louisiana-bred gelding is out of Raise A Corona by Corona Cartel.

A multiple stakes-placed daughter of leading sire Game Patriot, Sheza Gamer earned $5,000 for her second place effort. Danny Mittag saddled the 4-year-old filly for owner McGehee Horse and Cattle LLC. S K T Farms, Inc. bred Sheza Gamer from the Strawfly Special mare Dealafly. Ridden by Randy Edison the filly cleared early but weakened off the inside.

Jostled in the upper stretch, stakes winner Kr Jess Hopeful races for R and R Racing, Inc. and is trained by Ray Robbins and ridden by Donell Blake. The Jess Louisiana Blue 5-year-old picked up $2,750 to boost his earning to $68,170. Kenneth L. Roberts, Sr. bred the brown gelding from the Pritzi Dash mare Blankie.

Completing the order of finish were Chicks Saint Patriot and Rankin In The Jax. Cosino Winner, Heza Fast Corridor and Streak Of Music were scratched.


Courtesy Ses