Asmussen becomes winningest Churchill trainer

Horse races across Australia were abandoned Saturday as racing and veterinary officials attempted to stem an outbreak of equine influenza imperiling the nation’s racing industry. The moves followed the discovery of the highly contagious virus in 11 non-racehorses at the Centennial Park complex adjoining Sydney’s Royal Randwick racecourse.

Optimer held off Wooden Ticket by a nose to win Monday’s $63,000 feature at Del Mar. Ridden by Richard Migliore, Optimer covered 1 1-16 miles on the turf in 1:40.87 and paid $6.80, $3.40 and $2.40. Wooden Ticket returned $7.40 and $3.40, while Medzendeekron was another three-quarters of a length back in third and paid $2.20 to show as the 8-5 wagering favorite.

Saturday at Keeneland, Bowies Hero was an upset winner in the Shadwell Turf Mile (G1) while favorite Valid Point was 10th. Also on the card, Uni won the First Lady (G1), Maxfield won the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (G1), Spiced Perfection won the Thoroughbred Club of America (G2), and Stubbins won the Woodford Stakes (G3). Get the results, charts, and photos here.

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