Prairie Meadows victory for Stonehouse
The Prairie Meadows Handicap was held on Saturday, 12 September 2009, at the Prairie Meadows Racetrack in Iowa. It is a horse racing event that has a purse of $75 000 and is for thoroughbred horses. Incepted in 1989, this event has always attracted a large number spectators and a wonderful field of competitors. The Prairie Meadows Racetrack is also a casino that offers patrons the opportunity to make use of the slot machines, and features thoroughbred horse racing, harness racing and quarter horse racing. On Saturday, the racetrack was filled with spectators, and the Prairie Meadows Handicap delivered a few unexpected surprises.
Racing favorite for the Prairie Meadows Handicap was Shadowbdancing, while the rest of the contender field consisted of Tiger Lake (10-1), Sebastian County (5-1), Wayzata Bay (8-1), Stonehouse (9-2) and Red Hot N Gold (5-2). Many assumed that Shadowbdancing, who had taken the Prairie Meadows Derby by storm last year as the 23-1 long shot, would repeat his spectacular performance on the weekend. But Stonehouse had other plans, and became the major upset of the day.
Everything seemed to work in favor of Stonehouse at the Prairie Meadow Handicap, as he waited in third position until the final stretch. Shadowbdancing had taken the lead and was being followed by Red Hot N Gold. Stonehouse and Sebastian County both saw their chance in the stretch, and Stonehouse was able to pass Shadowbdancing and hold off Sebastian Country to win the 2009 Prairie Meadows. Stonehouse, ridden by jockey Perry Compton, delivered a breathtaking performance, followed home by Sebastian County, Shadowbdancing, Red Hot N Gold and Wayzata Boy.
The victory was a great moment for both Stonehouse and for trainer Joseph Broussard. Stonehouse had experienced some trouble in his previous career starts, and being able to make a great comeback in his last few races is testament to his wonderful racing abilities and talent. Stonehouse has now won four of his five starts this year and seems to be growing stronger and more experienced with each race. Many believe that he is a horse to keep an eye on in future and that continue to deliver great victories for years to come.
