Open Me A Corona Bounces Back With Big Effort in LA Champions Day Classic

AQHA Racing Champion Open Me A Corona winning the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic(RG2) at Fair Grounds Race Course Saturday afternoon.

© Lou Hodges Photography

Ridden by jockey David Alvarez, Open Me A Corona took the lead quickly to complete the 440 yards in :21.978 seconds, a 93-speed index into a 10 mph headwind. Trainer Bobby Martinez saddled the 6-year-old horse to his 16th win in 21 starts. The $46,392 Classic winners' purse boosted his earnings mark to $929,150.

"When he's sound, I don't think anyone, Louisiana-bred or open can beat him," Martinez said after the race. "He did it easy today."

The son of Coronas Leaving You races for owners Tommy Hays and Charles Forbes, Jr. Natalie Montgomery, DVM bred the 2015 AQHA Racing Champion Aged Stallion from the Mr Eye Opener mare In The Open.

"What an incredible horse! We were disappointed in his last race, it was the only time he was ever off the board," Hays said in the winner's circle. "He has such a big heart and the way he came back today was amazing." Hays indicated they would likely continue to run Open Me A Corona in 2017.

Stakes winner Heza Louisiana Dash races for owner T M Ranch and trainer Kenneth Roberts, Sr. John Hamilton was aboard the son of leading sire Heza Fast Dash from the Mr Jess Perry mare Eyejesslovelouisiana.

Bred by Jumonville Farms and Burnett Ranch, Heza Louisiana Dash picked up $17,526 to roll his earnings to $351,641.

Brian Stroud saddled Running Game Patriot to his third place finish for owner Pete Scarmardo. S Bar S and Ryan Robicheaux bred the 4-year-old Game Patriot gelding from the Eyesa Special mare Eyesa La Tac. Ridden by Alfonso Lujan, the bay earned $10,309. He has earned more than $93,000.

Oak Hill Streak, Heza Bell Perry, Icanonlyemagine, Scooter Prize and Jls Dashn And Zoomin completed the field. Louisiana Legends was scratched.

Additional reporting by Martha Claussen.