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SUNLAND PARK, NM—DECEMBER 30, 2018—Reigning back-to-back world champion Jesses First Down capped off a perfect 4-for-4 season on Sunday when he defeated Jess Bein The Hero by one-length in the Grade 1 $350,000 Championship at Sunland Park. Major Bites finished a neck back in the show position.
Under champion jockey Rodrigo Vallejo, Jessies First Down completed the 440 yards in :231.156 seconds, a 103 speed index with a 6 mph tailwind to pick up this fourth consecutive grade 1 win of the year.
The son of leading sire FDD Dynasty kicked off the season with a win in the Leo Stakes (G1), then won the Remington Park Invitational Championship(G1) and the Downs at Albuquerque Fall Championship(G1) before today's victory.
Trainer Jimmy Padgett, II saddled the 7-year-old gelding to his 19th career win for owner/ breeder Ted Abrams. Out of the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess A Classy Lassy, Jessies First Down picked up $157,000 to bring his earnings total to $1,624,002.
Curtis Crenwelge bred the Valiant Hero 5-year-old in Texas from the Mr Jess Perry mare Jess Braggin. Ridden by Manuel Gutierrez, the multiple graded winner picked up $70,000 to push his earnings to $266,870.
Coming off back-to-back RG1 wins at Zia Park, Major Bites earned $32,000 for finishing third. Jimmy Guerra trains the 5-year-old Jesses James Jr New Mexico bred for owner Israel Borider. Jose Alverez rode the bay gelding from the Major Rime mare Dyna Mo Rime. He has earned more than $703,000.
Apollitical Chad, Papaws Paint, Firing Tools, High Rate Of Motion, Mr Pyc To You, Mi Amor Secreto and Valiant Rogue completed the field.
Live racing resumes on Tuesday at 12:30 p.m.