Luis Vivanco piloted Leavinematthebar to a 1/2-length victory in the $45,700 Gary Baber Memorial Stakes at Retama Park on Thursday.

© Coady Photography

SELMA, TX–JUNE 27, 2024–Leavinematthebar is setting the track on fire this month with his second stakes victory on Friday evening in the $45,700 Gary Baber Memorial Stakes at Retama Park.

Piloted by Luis Vivanco, Leavinematthebar dueled for the wire, putting it into high gear at the final stretch for a 1/2-length victory over Jess Rite. The post-time favorite clocked a 91 speed index in :28.041 seconds. The 550-yard victory paid$4.80 to win on 7/5 odds.

Trained by Toby Keeton, Leavinematthebar just came off a win on June 15th in the Sam Houston 550 Stakes, and tonight, he is cashing in the $27,420 winner's share of the purse, increasing his bankroll to $122,133. The son of Power Jam has lit the board nine of 11 starts with five career wins, and was a finalist in the 2022 Sam Houston Juvenile Challenge [G3].

The winning connections of Leavinematthebar accept the Gary Baber Memorial Stakes trophy at Retama Park.
© Coady Photography

James Hrabovskty and Leann Nalls own and bred Leavinematthebar in Texas out of the Stoli mare Leaving In Your Eyes, who is a half-sister to new track record setter and Grade 2 winner Eyesa Flash.

Jess Rite came from behind and gained momentum, finishing second under the guidance of Oscar Andrade Jr. Conditioned by Tammy Johnson, the four-year-old son of One Sweet Jess has three career wins with $54,255 in the bank. Rose Mary Chandler of Texas bred and owns the four-year-old gelding out of Twig by Oak Tree Special.

Dazzlin Drama, piloted by Victor Urieta, Jr, placed third. Trainer Juan Diaz, Jr. saddled the son of Big Drama for owner/breeder Darling Farms of Oklahoma. The four-year-old gelding out of Dazzlin Effort by Jumpn has three career wins with $47,977 in earnings.

Behrable, Dm Preacher Man, Eura Lotta Guy, Onthrocks, C S Fierro, and Mr Goodbye round out the order of finish.

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About Retama Park
Retama Park is a Class 1 pari-mutuel horse racetrack located in Selma, Texas, just 20 minutes from downtown San Antonio. Live Quarter Horse races take place each summer, while simulcast wagering and races from around the world are available to watch and wager on Wednesday through Sunday. Managed by Penn Entertainment Inc., Retama Park opened in 1995 and will host its 30th year of racing beginning on June 27, 2024. For more information and racing schedules, please visit www.RetamaPark.com follow on: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.