Racing


Viva Le Don Digs In, To Get Third Straight Stakes in Benny Pennington Memorial
Viva Le Don (outside) battled The Kings Horse (#2) to win the $63,750 Benny Pennington Memorial Stakes Friday at Sam Houston Race Park.

© Coady Photography
Viva Le Don Digs In, To Get Third Straight Stakes in Benny Pennington Memorial

HOUSTON, TX—JULY 30, 2021—Viva Le Don, under jockey Josh Romero, dug in before the wire to defeat The Kings Horse by a neck in the $63,750 Benny Pennington Memorial Stakes Friday night at Sam Houston Race Park. It was the third consecutive stakes win for the son of Rock Solid Jess during this meet.

Racing for Rockin J Running Horses and conditioned by Tammy Kay Johnson, Viva Le Don won the San Marcos Stakes on July 2nd and the Jess Yoakum Memorial 870 Stakes on June 12th. Earlier this year he won the Grade 2 Remington Park Distance Challenge Championship.

"We're just so fortunate to have this horse and never take it for granted," Johnson said after the win. "As far as breaking from the seven hole, you always want to draw inside; maybe not the rail, but the two, three or four or five. But he's fixing to meet some tougher company ahead and needed this test."

The 5-year-old gelding clocked the 870 yards in :46.116 seconds tonight to equal a 94 speed index. It was the fourth win in seven starts this season.

TQHA Executive Director Rob Wrester presents the winning trainer Tammy Johnson and husband Mike and jockey Josh Romero the Benny Penning Memorial Stakes trophy Friday night at Sam Houston Race Park. © Coady Photography
Bred by Johnson and Jack Manning, from the Pyc Paint Your Wagon mare Viva Arriba, Viva Le Don has compiled a (29) 10-3-7 record and used the $38,250 Pennington winner's purse to bring his earnings mark to over $480,000.

According to Johnson, Viva Le Don could make his next start at Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma for the Distance Challenge before heading to Albuquerque for the $125,000 Grade 1 AQHA Distance Challenge Championship on October 23rd.

Trainer "Tooter" Jordan sent out runner-up The Kings Horse for owner-breeder Bullard Farms. The multiple stakes-placed son of Class King is out of the Hadif (TB) mare Fletta Dif (TB). Ridden by Jerry Lee Yoakum, The Kings Horse earned $12,750 to bring his earnings to $49,476.

Jack Ketel, a 9-year-old son of champion Ketel Won finished seven-lengths behind the leaders to earn $7,013 for third. Arnold Lewis trains the gelding for owner Diamond L Racing. Joe and Elaine McAnally bred Jack Ketel from the Heza Fast Man mare Sheza Moon Bar Baby. The stakes winner has earned $106,960.

Love Ta Zoom, Kw Cowboy, What Huh and Show Time completed the field. Tek Ni Color was scratched.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

The 20-day live Quarter Horse season, which began on June 23, will conclude on Saturday, August 7. A complete list of racing dates, and stakes is available on shrp.com.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Sam Houston Race Park is Houston's premier racing and entertainment facility, located just 15 miles from downtown Houston. The Park offers a variety of attractions including our Suite Level featuring luxurious suites overlooking the racetrack and accommodating groups from 20 to 300 people, The Pavilion Centre, and award-winning dining options at the Winner's Circle Restaurant and the Jockey Club. For more information on upcoming shows, events and tickets, please visit shrp.com.