Open Me A Corona Closes Racing Career With Dominating LA Champions Day Classic Victory

NEW ORLEANS, LA—DECEMBER 12, 2015—Charles Forbes, Jr. and Tommy Hays' super consistent Open Me A Corona rolled to a 1½-length victory, under a hand ride by jockey Saul Ramirez Jr., over Scooter Prize in Saturday's $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic(RG2) at Fair Grounds Race Course. Ld Streakin N Leaving finished 2 ¼ lengths back in the show position.

"We're happy for the horse, but sad not to be racing him again," co-owner Tommy Hays said following the race. "He's such a smart one, could probably run two more years, but it's time to see if his babies will be as good as him. We've taken good care if him and he has paid us back in many ways"

Saddled by trainer Bobby Martinez the 5-year-old son of Coronas Leaving You completed the 440 yards in :21.981 seconds, 94 speed index against a 6 mph crosswind.

"Just a super horse. He won the first million-dollar QH race in Louisiana. I compare him to world champion Oak Tree Special; proud to have trained two great horses," trainer Bobby Martinez said.

The Champions Day Classic capped off a brilliant career where Open Me A Corona won 12 of 14 career starts. The powerful sorrel won nine stakes over his four-year racing career including six straight this season. He was the first Louisiana-bred two-year-old to win the LQHBA Breeders' Futurity when it's purse swelled to $1 million in 2012. The $51,000 Classic winner's purse boosted his career total to $747,298.

Bred by Natalie Montgomery, DVM from, the Mr Eye Opener mare In The Open, Open Me A Corona is set to begin his stallion career in 2016 at Robicheaux Ranch, Inc. near Breaux Bridge, Louisiana.

Jockey Saul Ramirez, Jr. announced his retirement earlier this week (see related story) and will ride his final race later tonight at Evangeline Downs.

Multiple graded-winner Scooter Prize was second best for owner Ana Alvidrez. David Alvarez rode the First Prize Perry mare for trainer Martin Trejo. The $17,000 runner-up purse brings the 4-year-olds earnings to $311,295. Bred by John Leger, Scooter Prize is out of Royal Baby Scooter, by A Royale High.

Manuel Macias saddled third place finisher Ld Streakin N Leavin for owner Jose Barron. Antonio Alberto rode the Coronas Leaving You gelding out of Streakin Juanita, by Streakin La Jolla. Bred by Louis Dreyer, the bay earned $10,000 for the effort to bring his earnings mark to $105,260. Heza Fast Rogue, Shesa Dashingromance and jjs Black Lace completed the field.

Additional reporting courtesy Martha Claussen.