Contact Information:
Bob Roberts (216-662-8600)
May 30, 2008
www.thistledown.com
"Old Man Of The Turf" Catlaunch Captures Thistledown’s Rowland Stakes
Catlaunch, the graybeard of Ohio stakes racing, didn't let the highest weight impost of his career -- 126 pounds --- bother him as he and jockey Ivan Gonzalez scampered away from all challengers in early stretch to win Friday's fifth running of the $50,000 Michael F. Rowland Memorial Handicap at Thistledown.
At the wire, after six furlongs in 1:11, Catlaunch, who turned seven on New Year's Day, was 2 3/4 lengths clear of Ramblin Mike. Go Johnny Go was 1 1/2 lengths back in third.
"He might be getting better with age," said Ivan Vasquez, who trains Catlaunch for Scioto Farm. "I was worried a little bit about the weight, but he handled it okay."
Catlaunch, who has run in all five Rowland Memorials, a race that honors the memory of Thistledown's seven-time riding champion who died as a result of injuries suffered in a spill at Turfway Park in 2004, was winning it for the third consecutive time. He carried the same 126 pounds in last year's renewal.
"He's kind of a funny horse to ride," said Gonzalez. "You can’t take too much of a hold of him early because he'll fight you. Turning for home, it probably looks like he's empty, but he's not. He just runs away from the other horses."
Catlaunch was quick away from the gate for the Rowland but was hooked by Purple Sutherland. He shook clear at the quarter pole, but had more company at the top of the stretch when Go Johnny Go moved alongside to challenge. That's when Gonzalez asked for a little bit more and Catlaunch responded, winning for the 23rd time in 58 lifetime starts. The Rowland is his ninth stakes victory. With Gonzalez aboard, Catlaunch has won 11 of 25 starts.
His $30,000 share of the Rowland purse lifts Catlaunch's career earnings to $488,778. Bet down to odds of 3-5, Catlaunch paid $3.20 for a $2 win wager.