An eventful American Turf Stakes saw Silver Max as the winner
A storm struck Churchill Downs, which delayed proceedings for more than 50 minutes and forced the infield to evacuate. Robby Albarado getting arrested for domestic assault eventually missing the ride on Silver Max, did not stop or faze Silver Max’s composure
and focus to win the 1 1/16 mile Grade 2, $238,200 American Turf Stakes, when he kept a few challenges at bay in the stretch to win the race over Travel Advisory.
It was an eventful race at Churchill Downs on 4 May, 2012, on a card that was highlighted by the Grade 1, $1 million Kentucky Oaks, which also say jockey Javier Castellano being unseated from his ride, Star Channel.
Star Channel ran off track after dropping his mount, but no injuries were detected on the colt, as he swerved off on the approaching the stretch.
Castellano, who was scheduled to ride Grace Hall in the Kentucky Oaks was stretchered off the field, but later was found walking around in the jockey area on his own which indicated he is fit to ride the 5 to 2 favourite of the Oaks.
However, he did sustain minor injuries, but not enough fatal to miss a ride on a major race at Churchill Downs.
Silver Max lost his initial rider, Robby Albarado, who was arrested earlier in the day due to an alleged domestic assault, but Rafael Bejarano raised his hand to be his substitute and ride the 5 to 1 shot, Silver Max for trainer Dale Romans and owner Mark
Bacon and Dana Wells.
"This is a really super turf horse," Romans said. "I didn’t care about the jockey situation on a business level or on a jockey level. I was concerned for my friend (Albarado), but everything else was going to be easy -- you just go to the front and hang
on. And that’s what Rafael did, just what we told him in the paddock, just open up a couple down the backside and he’s got great stamina."
The 3-year-old Badge of Silver colt, Silver Max was exiting a victory in the Grade 3 Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland, and downed the American Turf Stakes distance in 1 minute and 41.10 seconds, while Howe Great finished third.
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