Vesper Martini, under jockey Roman Cruz, won the $20,000 Texas Hero Juvenile at Lone Star Park Saturday night.

© Dustin Orona Photography

GRAND PRAIRIE, TX–NOVEMBER 9, 2024–Pot O'Gold Futurity winner Vesper Martini scored her second stakes victory on Saturday when she defeated Big Beautiful Bertha by three-quarters in the $20,000 Texas Hero Juvenile at Lone Star Park.

Vesper Martini broke sharply under jockey Roman Cruz to be an easy winner while covering 400 yards in 19.919 seconds, an SI 89 speed index.  It was the sixth career win for the daughter of world champion Painted Turnpike.

Dee Kenner conditions the Oklahoma-bred filly for owner 918 Bloodstock. Garvan and Lloyd Yother bred Vesper Martini from the Red Storm Cat mare Martinis N Bikinis. She earned $107,017 after pocketing $6,000 for the win.

The winning connections of Vesper Martini accept the Texas Hero Juvenile Stakes trophy at Lone Star Park.
© Dustin Orona Photography

Runner-up Big Beautiful Bertha earned $4,000 for her second-place effort. Trainer Matt Whitekiller saddled the Crm Livewire filly in only her sixth career start for owner-breeders Dan and Kaye Jones. Cordarelton Benn rode the Oklahoma-bred, from the Second Painted Sign mare Lindys Sign.

Cowboy Heartbreak finished a neck back to earn $3,000 for finishing third. Trainer Zackery Rios tapped jockey Nestor Duran to ride the Boknaai colt out of Cowgirl by Awesome Chrome for owner-breeder Sandra Garnett. The multiple stakes-placed cot has earned $17,622 in nine starts.

Pt Kaileigh, Pasatiempo, Frionas Turnpike, Poppin, and Gangster Grip completed the field. Favorite Turnpike and Painted To Be Quick were scratched.

About Lone Star Park
Lone Star Park at Grand Prairie is a major league sports entertainment attraction that features two exciting racing seasons annually. Over 700,000 guests visit our beautiful facility each year, which features a seven-level glass-enclosed Grandstand, highlighted by our 1,200-seat Silks Dining Room and 48 luxurious Penthouse Suites, all overlooking the newest race track in Texas. Situated next to our Grandstand is the 36,000-square-foot world-class Las Vegas-style racebook and simulcast facility, Bar & Book, which features wagering on horse racing from around the world seven days a week year.

The 2024 Fall Meeting of Champions, featuring American Quarter Horses, runs September 6 through November 16. Live racing on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. (CT); the first post is at 6:05 p.m. Breeders' Cup Saturday, November 5. Gates open at 10:30 a.m., the first live race is at 6:05 p.m.

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