SHELBYVILLE, IN—OCTOBER 21, 2017—For owner and breeder C.W. Mullenix, racing in Indiana has been an investment that dates back to 1987. He brought the stallion Born Runner to the state from Oklahoma that year, which changed the landscape of Quarter Horse racing in the Hoosier State.

Thirty years later, Mullenix continues to invest in the program from his farm in Carbon, Ind. and his latest graduate, Bono Rhythm, is carrying on the winning tradition. The two-year-old filly broke her maiden in the fifth running of the $44,080 Speed Sale Futurity Saturday, Oct. 21 at Indiana Grand.

Starting from post six, Bono Rhythm fired out of the gate for jockey Rodney Prescott and drifted to the inside, finding a path to follow during the 330-yard dash.

Prescott kept after the petite daughter of Bono Jazz and held onto a short lead. In the final strides, Bono Rhythm was joined by Speranza Di Capi and Oscar Macias along the inside but was able to get to the wire first by the margin of a head over Speranza Di Capi. Race favorite Jessalilsecret and Berkley Packer rallied from the outside to close in for third. The time of the race was :17.201 seconds.

At odds of 17-1, Bono Rhythm paid $37.00, $10.60, $6.80 across the board for the win. It was her fourth career start and the first time she had hit the board in any of those tries for Mullenix and trainer Randy Haffner.

"You are not going to believe this but all we used this year for was training," said Mullenix. "Getting a win was unexpected. This is like a bonus. Her momma (Dashs Rhythm) is a pet. She was a Canadian champion and won nine races, four of which were stakes races. So we had hoped this filly would be a Derby winner. But, we weren’t expecting anything from her this year."

Bono Rhythm added another $24,000 onto her career bankroll for Mullenix. She will enjoy time off before preparing for her three-year-old season.

"We ran this filly (Bono Rhythm) through the sale last year," added Mullenix. "But she was Hip No. 1 and you know what that meant. She didn’t bring very much so we brought her back. She’s pretty small but she can run. This is the most fun we’ve had since Born Runner has been gone."

Born Runner passed away in 2009. To honor his legacy in the state of Indiana, the Born Runner Classic is held each year in June. Now in its seventh year, the stakes race was won by horses from Born Runner mares the first five years, making the race even extra special to Mullenix.

Anthony Cunningham saddled runner-up Speranza Di Cap for owner Lisa Cunningham. Circle S Ranch Inc. bred the son of Copo de Capi from the Shawne Bug mare Hope For Me Too. He earned $8,865 for the effort.

Jessalilsecret is a son of leading first-crop sire Hez Our Secret from the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Cranky. Trainer Randy Smith conditions the 2-year-old gelding for owner Keith Bode. Bred by Johnny Trotter, Jessalilsecret picked up $4,457 for third.

Countrytyme, Atempting Love, Wh SHez Jazzy, The Ebony Hare, Running Brook Pal and Sixes On Jamie completed the field.

The 15th Friday, Oct. 27. Racing is conducted Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday at 2:05 p.m. with Saturday racing beginning at 6:05 p.m. Additional racing days will be held Thursday, Oct. 19 and Thursday, Oct. 26 beginning at 2:05 p.m.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming and dining. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner’s Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as an off-track betting facility located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit  www.IndianaGrand.com.