Umberto Rispoli rode Trikari to a surprising victory at the American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs, overcoming odds of 47-1 to win the $600,000 race, marking a significant achievement in Rispoli’s career with this horse.
– ‣ Trikari, ridden by Umberto Rispoli and trained by H. Graham Motion for Amerman Racing LLC, achieved a significant upset by winning the $600,000 GII American Turf Stakes at Churchill Downs, overcoming odds of 47-1 in his first graded competition.
– ‣ The victory marked a milestone for jockey Umberto Rispoli, who described Trikari as a very special horse in his career, notably as the horse he won his 2,000th race aboard.
– ‣ Trikari’s pedigree is highlighted by being the fifth graded winner from two full crops to race for his sire, Oscar Performance, and comes from a distinguished family, including his dam, Dynamic Holiday, a winner of the grassy Herecomesthebride S.
#2 Trikari pulls off the huge upset in the American Turf Stakes @ChurchillDowns at odds of 47/1!
Jockey: @umbyrispoli
Trainer: @GrahamMotion
Owner: Amerman Racing Stables LLC🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/3kw3sIDGiC
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) May 4, 2024
In sunny California, Umberto Rispoli was buzzing with anticipation. He was about to mount Amerman Racing’s Endlessly in the GI Kentucky Derby. But first, he had a date with destiny on the Derby undercard. Steering Trikari to a jaw-dropping victory, he kicked things off with a bang.
Trikari, a dark horse at 47-1, was stepping into the big leagues for the first time. Tucked into the inside stall, he was a bundle of potential waiting to explode. Meanwhile, Formidable Man was setting a blistering pace, leaving the favorite, Legend Of Time, struggling in his wake.
As the race heated up, Trikari was lurking, biding his time. Rispoli, cool as a cucumber, waited for the perfect moment. Then, with a burst of speed, they were off, challenging Formidable Man who wasn’t giving up without a fight.
But Trikari was unstoppable. He surged ahead, leaving the competition in his dust. The crowd went wild as he crossed the finish line, lighting up the tote board. Lagynos, despite a late push, could only manage third.
The payouts were astronomical. The exacta alone paid out over $662. And if you were lucky enough to have the trifecta? You were looking at nearly $6,000 from just a dollar bet. The superfecta? An eye-watering $69,000.
Trikari, with only a handful of races under his belt, had shown flashes of brilliance before. But nothing like this. From a disappointing debut to a stunning victory, his journey was nothing short of remarkable. And for Rispoli, this win was more than just a notch on his belt. It was a milestone.
Rispoli couldn’t hide his excitement. “This horse,” he said, “is something special.” Winning his 2,000th race aboard Trikari, he was overflowing with gratitude towards the team that kept him in the saddle.
Trikari’s pedigree is impressive. His sire, Oscar Performance, has sired multiple graded winners. And Trikari himself comes from a lineage of champions, with stakes winners and champions dotting his family tree.
On that Saturday at Churchill Downs, Trikari wasn’t just another horse in the race. He was a testament to the unpredictable nature of racing, a reminder that on any given day, anything can happen. And for those who witnessed his stunning victory, it was a moment they’d never forget.
As the dust settled, the racing world buzzed with the news of Trikari’s victory. Social media was alight with clips and congratulations, a fitting tribute to a race that would be talked about for years to come.
