Donegal Racing‘s ‘TDN Rising Star’ Donegal Momentum returned to the winner’s circle Thursday at Fair Grounds, capturing a $55,000 allowance optional claiming event in his 4-year-old debut.
The Thomas Morley-trained colt, sent off as the 1-2 favorite, prevailed by a half-length in the one-mile turf contest, completing the distance in 1:39.39 over firm ground.
Donegal Momentum (Uncle Mo–Moon Dash) had to work for the victory after breaking from an outside post position. Unable to secure the early lead, the colt settled into third behind pacesetter Swiftsure and Wonderful Justice (GB) through an opening half-mile in :49.04.
The talented colt made his move around the far turn, quickly advancing past the frontrunners but faced a late challenge from Out of Deductions, who ultimately came up a half-length short at the wire.
This victory marks a successful return for Donegal Momentum, who established himself as a stakes-caliber performer during his 3-year-old campaign. The colt won the Gio Ponti Stakes last October before finishing a close third in the GI Hollywood Derby at Del Mar on November 30, just one length behind winner Formidable Man, who recently captured last week’s GI Frank E. Kilroe Mile.
Bred by Speedway Stable in Kentucky, Donegal Momentum was purchased for $375,000 as a yearling at the 2022 Keeneland September sale. His dam, Moon Dash, was herself a $650,000 purchase as a 2-year-old at OBS April in 2017 and reportedly delivered a Corniche filly this year.
The victory improves Donegal Momentum’s career record to 4-1-1 from 7 starts with earnings of $285,250.
Donegal Momentum hangs in to win R9 at @fairgroundsnola as the betting favorite! 💪@jjcjockey came in town to ride and @morley_racing trains.
🎥 TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/lmn4EcGJ3D
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires)
Donegal Momentum hangs in to win R9 at March 6, 2025
