Four South Carolina training center graduates found their way to the winner’s circle following Stakes races between August 25 and September 14.

On August 25, the Travis Durr Training Center in St. Matthews, SC, saw two graduates win Stakes at Monmouth Park. In a hard fought victory, Riding Pretty proved best in the Eleven North Handicap. This was her second career Stakes win. Riding Pretty took the lead after the opening ¼ mile and was involved in a head to head duel deep into the stretch before prevailing by a length. A few hours earlier, Sea Streak also captured her second career Stakes victory winning the Charles Hesse III Handicap. Following some bumping at the start, Sea Streak ran comfortably down the backside. He took the lead at the top of the stretch and held the rest off crossing the finish line 1 ½ lengths in front. In only 10 career starts, he has earned $309,110.

In his 41st career start, Irish Cork won the Storm Cat Stakes at PARX on August 26. He trailed the field for the first ½ mile of the race. He then began to launch his bid, collaring the leader in midstretch and then pulled away crossing the finish line 2 ½ lengths in front. Irish Cork learned his early lessons in Erhardt, SC under the care of Randy and Kala Rentz. Irish Cork has 8 wins, 11 seconds and 8 third place finishes in his 41 starts earning $530,222.

Post Time, who went through the breaking process in Aiken, SC under the watchful eye of Cary Frommer, proved much the best in the Polynesian Stakes at Laurel Park on September 14 winning by 11 ½ lengths. This was Post Time’s sixth career Stakes win. He is a two-time Graded Stakes winner having captured the General George Stakes-G3 at Laurel and the Carter Stakes-G2 at Aqueduct earlier this year. In 13 career starts, Post Time has 9 wins, 2 seconds and 2 thirds with career earnings of $997,910.

SC Active at Keeneland

South Carolinians were active at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Travis Durr is a member of the Legion Bloodstock team and that group signed 16 tickets. Purchased were colts by War Front, MacLean’s Music, McKinzie, Upstart, Charlatan, Dialed In, Raging Bull, and Omaha Beach. For clients, Legion Bloodstock bought fillies by Yaupon (2), Bolt d’Oro, Silver State, Oscar Performance, Nyquist and Mitole. Many of these yearlings will go through the breaking process at the Travis Durr Training Center.

Bobby, Debby and Jason McCutchen bought colts by Thousand Words and Bee Jersey and a filly by Thousand Words in the name of McCutchen Training Center. Jamie Carter and Steven Carter, son of Jamie’s brother, Wes, bought a colt by Tapit and Jamie and Wes purchased a filly by Liam’s Map.

Marcus and Crystal Ryan signed the ticket for an Honor A.P. colt under their Mason Springs banner in partnership with Tom Garcia.

Steeplechase of Charleston on November 10

The steeplechase season dominates the scene in South Carolina in November kicking off with the Steeplechase of Charleston on November 10 in Hollywood, SC. A full day of activities begins when the event gates open at 8:00 AM. The first of five races has a post time of 1:00 PM.

There will be a Merchant Market, food trucks and corgi races to help fill your time between races. Information for ticket and parking can be found at www.steeplechaseofcharleston.com.

Colonial Cup Returns November 17

The 49th Running of the Marion duPont Scott Colonial Cup Races will be held November 17 at the Springdale Race Course in Camden. The Colonial Cup returns to the National Steeplechase calendar this year after last being held in 2018, Gates will open at 9:00 AM. There will be an area designated as Paddock Shops and Vendor Village plus a Kid’s Zone. The first of five races will start at 1:00 PM. The feature race will be The Colonial Cup-G1 with a $150,000 purse.

For ticket and parking information, visit www.colonialcup.org.

Aiken Steeplechase Ends Season on November 23

The National Steeplechase Association 2024 Season comes to an end with the 31st Running of the Aiken Fall Steeplechase on November 23. Gates open at 8:00 AM. Along with a shopping area, there will be children’s stick races, a Pony Club presentation, a parade of hounds, a carriage parade and a crazy pants and hat contest.

There will be five races held over National Fences with post time for the first being at 12:00 PM. This meet may determine the top trainer, jockey and Horse of the Year for the 2024 season.



For ticket and parking information, visit www.aikensteeplechase.com.

Debut Winners

Both the Rentz Farm Training Center and the Travis Durr Training Center saw some graduates win first time out in August and September. Randy and Kala Rentz prepared Dansk, a winner at PARX on August 26, The Boys Warrior, who won at Presque Isle Downs on August 28 and Ridge Warrior who proved best in his debut at PARX on September 10.

Travis Durr’s former students Colonel Bob won his debut at PARX on August 20 and Cool Spite crossed the finish line first at Monmouth Park on August 25.

….. Congratulations to SCTOBA member Tina Adinolfi and her husband, Charlie, residents of Aiken. Tina is a partner in MyRacehorse and a member of the Seize the Grey partnership. Seize the Grey won the Pennsylvania Derby-G1 at PARX on September 21. He is now pointing for the Breeders; Cup Classic at Del Mar on November 2.

….. Kip Elser, owner of Kirkwood Equine Advisory reports Pascaline won the Laurel Futurity on September 21. Kip picked Pascaline out at the April Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up sale at Newmarket, England for West Point Thoroughbreds who paid $84,943 foe the colt. Pascaline proved best by 2 lengths and has won both of his career starts. Kip also is the breeder of Hay Chief who finished second in the Japan Turf Cup Stakes at Laurel Park on September 28.

…..Congratulations to Goree Smith, who bred two recent winners. Voodoo Priestess won at Timonium on August 25 and Dixie Drawl was a winner at Camarero on September 1. Both are offspring of the Elloree Training Center-based stallion Done Talking.

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