Ontherocks, under jockey Oscar Andrade, Jr., won the restricted Grade 3 $54,125 TQHA 550 Stakes at Retama Park Friday.

© Coady Photography

SELMA, TX–JULY 26, 2024–Graded stakes winner Onthrocks drew off in the final strides to defend his title in the $54,125 restricted Grade 3 TQHA 550 Stakes by 1-1/2 lengths on Friday at Retama Park. He also won this race in 2023.

Jockey Oscar Andrade, Jr., picked up his second straight stakes win while completing the 550 yards in 27.918 seconds, clocking a 93-speed index into an 8 mph headwind. Trainer Gilberto Gonzalez saddled the 5-year-old son of champion A Revenant to his seventh career win in 20 starts.

"I knew he could do it," Gonzalez said in the winner's circle. "We've been working with him very hard. I think it's his day, and he feels good. If he's good and sound, we will run him again here at Retama Park."

Sarah Huskey owns the black gelding, which Ware Racing & Racing LLC bred from the Stoli mare Stol A Bunny. Onthrocks has earned $193,406, after cashing in the #32,475 winner's check.

The winning connections of Ontherocks accept the TQHA 550 Stakes trophy. © Coady Photography

Starting off back-to-back 550-yard stakes wins, post-time favorite Leavinematthebar was a game second for owner-breeders James Hrabovsky and Leann Nalls. Toby Keeton trains the Power Jam (TB) 5-year-old out of Leaving In Your Eyes by Stoli. Leavinematthebar has earned $132,958. Luis Vivanco had the riding call.

Drinks After Work finished 2-1/2 lengths back for owner-breeder Jerry Lee Davis and trainer Kie Mushinski. Claudio Aguilar rode the One Sweet Jess 6-year-old out of A Passionate Lady by Demonstrative. He earned $5,853 for the effort, increasing his earnings to $64,403.

Zooming For Muddy and El Bee Dee completed the field. Jess Rite was scratched.

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