Cowboy On The Fly, ridden by L.D. "Daniel" Martinez, wins the $269,900 Governors Stake on Saturday at Horseshoe Indianapolis

© Coady Media

SHELBYVILLE, IN–OCTOBER 26, 2024–Cowboy on the Fly and L.D. “Daniel” Martinez did everything perfect to move into the 28th running of the $269,900 Governors Stake Final Saturday at Horseshoe Indianapolis. They won their trial but had little notice in the final field as the duo rallied to a longshot win for the title, the richest race ever held for an Indiana Quarter Horse race.

Cowboy on the Fly broke from post two and was in contention for the lead early on, holding his own along the inside during the 350-yard dash. He was joined by Whata Lota Boy and Martin Munoz on the inside, and Chiln and Aron Hunt were putting pressure on him from the center of the track.

With only a few yards left in the race, Cowboy on the Fly hit another gear and moved away from his opponents, fending off a final late charge by Chiln for the win by a neck. Beachin Famous and Rolando Pina closed on the far outside for third. The time of the sprint was 17.794 seconds, clocking a 91-speed index.

Cowboy on the Fly was the second-longest shot on the board, paying $49.40 to win. He was the fourth fastest qualifier from the trials for the Tony Cunningham barn and is now two for six in his young career. Ed Walsh of New York-bred the Flying Cowboy 123 gelding. Unfortunately, he passed away recently but was represented at the final by his sister, Donna. Sandy Diffin Walsh owns the sorrel freshman.

The winning connections of Cowboy On The Fly accept the $269,900 Governors Stake trophy at Horseshoe Indianapolis on Saturday. © Coady Media

“This win means a lot to our family,” added Donna. “Ed and I raised this colt from a pup. I want to thank Tony (Cunningham) for all he has done with this horse and for us.”

Cowboy On The Fly moved his career bankroll to $161,728 after cashing in the $148,445 winner's check. It was a boost to the Cunningham barn, who had some bad luck with scratches earlier in the day.

"The team has been working hard, and it is nice to get this win,” said Cunningham, the track’s all-time winning owner. “It’s been a frustrating day for sure, but to have Donna fly out here from New York to be at this race means a lot. With Ed passing away recently, this win has special meaning.

Tim Eggleston saddled runner-up Chiln for owner Kendra Teubert. The son of top 5 leading freshman sire Chilitos has yet to break his maiden, earning nearly $66,000 from six starts. Lisa Joneson bred the sorrel gelding in Oklahoma out of Ann Jemima by Country Chicks Man.

Steve Mullins bred third-place finisher Beachin Famous in Oklahoma from the One Famous Eagle mare Famous Dash To Me. The Tim Eggleston-trained gelding has a record of 1-3-2 from seven starts and $84,652 in the bank. He is sired by Escondido Beach.

The Governor’s Stake has quite a history in the state of Indiana. It was the very first pari-mutuel Quarter Horse race held in 1997 at Hoosier Park. Won by Easys Night Beat and Carter Riley, the race was contested for $10,000, showing the growth of the race. Cunningham actually competed in that first race in 1997, finishing second to Easys Night Beat with Chad a Hoochee CRS. This is the third straight title for the Cunningham barn in the Governor’s Stake.

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The 22nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Thursday, Nov. 14. Racing is held at 2:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find the track on Social Media @HSIndyRacing.

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