Spendthrift Farm‘s Authentic Colt Dominates in Impressive Debut at Laurel Park
Lionel, a three-year-old colt by Authentic, delivered a commanding performance in his racing debut Saturday at Laurel Park, drawing off to win by 9 1/2 lengths in a maiden special weight event.
The promising colt, who sold for $875,000 at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, stalked the early pace before taking control and powering away from his rivals down the stretch. He completed the one-mile contest in 1:39.45 over a sloppy track.
Under jockey Jevian Toledo, Lionel tracked three lengths off the rail through fractions of :24.40, :47.83, and 1:13.16. Despite showing slight greenness when floating wide off the turn, he kicked clear with authority to defeat runner-up Kitty’s Son (by Cupid).
Lionel represents a partnership of prominent racing stables including SF Racing, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables, along with several other co-owners. The colt is trained by Brittany T. Russell.
“Lionel powered away on debut under @JevianToledo to break his maiden at @LaurelPark,” Russell’s racing stable posted on social media following the victory.
The winner is out of the Street Sense mare Sweetgrass, a multiple graded stakes-placed performer who earned $330,145 during her racing career. Sweetgrass has produced three winners from as many surviving offspring and comes from the female family of Grade 1-placed Stellaris.
Lionel’s dam has a two-year-old filly by City of Light and a yearling filly by Colonel Liam in the pipeline. She is currently in foal to Win Win Win for a 2025 delivery.
Bred in Kentucky by Seclusive Farm, Brad Stephens, and Breeze Easy, Lionel earned $28,200 for his debut victory.
Lionel (by @spendthriftfarm Authentic) powered away on debut under @JevianToledo to break his maiden at @LaurelPark for SF Racing, @StarlightRacing, @MadaketStables, et al. pic.twitter.com/h76c47B4su
— Brittany Russell Racing Stable (@BTRracingstable)
Lionel (by May 4, 2025
