SHELBYVILLE, IN—JULY 6, 2020— Country Boy 123 powered home to retain his title in the 22nd running of the $59,600 Bradford Stakes at Indiana Grand Monday.

Guided by L. D. "Danny" Martinez, the veteran gelding now has 23 career wins in 37 career starts and in excess of $386,000 for owner Ruth Barbour.

Country Boy 123 was the last one in the gate and broke well for the 400-yard dash. The Country Chicks Man gelding was in contention early, but the latter strides of a race is where he shines, stretching out to a one-length advantage at the wire in :19.862 seconds. WRs Valentino and Sammy Mendez finished second, just a head in front of Hooked on Jordan and Cristian Reyes for third.

"I generally don't like to see a horse as the last one in the gate because they don't have time to settle, but Ray (Kuwik) and our gate crew do an outstanding job here," noted Trainer Tony Cunningham. "Ray did a good job letting everybody get set. We really appreciate the gate crew we have here."

Country Boy 123 was the second choice on the board, paying $7.20 to win. Since winning the Bradford Stakes last year, he has won four races in six starts, just missing the title in the $86,000 Indiana Championships last fall at Indiana Grand.

"We've had a little more time this time to get him ready," noted Cunningham. "He's run here a few times under the lights in the past, and he's not used to that. He doesn't normally run under the lights, so I think that plays into it. But he showed up today and I'm really happy for Ruth (Barbour)."

Barbour handles the training duties for the horse when he is in Canada where he races at Ajax Downs near Toronto. She generally will make the trip down to Indiana to watch "CB" race, but this year was a little different. She had to watch the televised version of the race as her horse won his 10th career stakes race.

"Right now, Ruth is on a 14-day quarantine if they come across the border, so she wasn't able to come down and watch him," added Cunningham. "This horse is such a pleasure to be around and our guys have done a great job with him. Ruth knows that, too. This horse means a lot to her."

Runner-up Wrs Valentino earned $11,920 for this effort. The 4-year-old Mighty B Valiant gelding races for owner-breeder Williams Racing Stables, Inc. Randy Smith conditions the multiple stakes winner of nearly $235,000.

Bred in Kentucky from the Teller Cartel mare Wrs Kissandteller, won the Governors Stakes and OHRA of Indiana Stallion Service Auction Futurity at Indiana Grand as a 2-year-old.

Hooked On Jordan, a son of multiple stakes sire Fast Prize Jordan, was a head back to earn $5,960 for owners Jorge Ovalle Sanches. Jockey Cristian Reyes had the riding call aboard the stakes winning gelding for trainer Ron Raper.

Also bred in Indiana by Raper, Hooked On Jordan is out of the First Down Laveaux mare Hooked On Laveaux. He has compiled a (15) 5-3-3 record and earned $125,185.

Completing the official order of finish for the Bradford is Accountably, Tres My Heart, Wh Kenny G, Shes A Real Patriot, Beaus Coupe, Hospitaliti and Yadi 1.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Live racing continues through Wednesday, Nov. 18 with action held Monday through Thursday beginning at 2:20 p.m. Four Saturday programs are slated for all-Quarter Horse days set for July 4, Aug. 8, Oct. 23 and Oct. 24.

About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino: Indiana Grand Racing & Casino holds multiple awards from industry publications for customer service, entertainment, gaming and dining. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features 2,200 of the latest slots and electronic table games in addition to a one-mile dirt race course and a seven-eighths mile turf course offering live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast wagering is also offered year-round at Winner's Circle Brewpub & OTB located on the casino floor as well as an off-track betting facility located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.