Under jockey Ramiro Garcia, Rnc Cardshark Jones drives to victory in the $37,117 Covered Bridges Stakes(G3) at Prairie Meadows on Saturday.

© Coady Photography

ALTOONA, IA—SEPTEMBER 14, 2024—Guided by jockey Romero Garcia, Rnc Cardshark Jones swung four wide off the turn and then ran down the leaders to win the $37,117 Grade 3 Covered Bridges Stakes at Prairie Meadows Saturday night.

Rnc Cardshark Jones posted a 1-1/2 length win while covering the 870 yards in 46.40-3 seconds, equaling an 89-speed index. Trainer Robert Don John saddled the 6-year-old The Card Shark 229 gelding to his 11th career win for owners Jane and Jim Leatherberry.

Bred in Montana by David Strain, from the thoroughbred mare Dakota Jones, by Seneca Jones, Rnc Cardshark Jones earned $18,200 to boost his earnings to $114,571. The bay gelding made his third appearance in the Covered Bridge Stakes, also winning the 2023 edition and finishing second in 2022.

Nsm Buddy earned $6,560 under jockey Storm Smith for his second-place effort. Charley Hunt trains the 4-year-old Jess Louisiana Blue for owner-breeder Nancy McCoy. The graded stakes-placed gelding is out of Wave Corona by Wave Carver.

Jess Tell Jess and jockey Jose Beltran finished 1-1/2 lengths back to earn $5,967 for third. Salvador Arceo trains the Just Amazing Jess,  4-year-old, for owner Dora Medrano. Barbara McClelland bred the brown gelding in Iowa from the Humming (TB) mare Hummalu (TB).

Katch This Eagle, Invincible Streak, and Empowered completed the field.

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About Prairie Meadows
Prairie Meadows began operations as a nonprofit organization in 1989 to promote economic development, jobs, agriculture, and tourism in Iowa. Prairie Meadows has given $2.2 billion to the state of Iowa through taxes, grants, and charitable donations. Prairie Meadows offers slot machines, table games, live and simulcast racing, sports wagering, hotel accommodations, entertainment, and more.

The 2024 Prairie Meadows 80-day meet in Altoona runs May 10 – September 28.