Fdd Dreams Upsets Favorites in Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos

In a dramatic evening at Los Alamitos on November 25, 2023, the 3-year-old gelding Fdd Dreams pulled off an unexpected victory in the prestigious Champion of Champions Stakes. Trained by Xavier Rodriguez and ridden by jockey Luis Martinez, Fdd Dreams secured the win with a time of 21.40 seconds for 440 yards, defeating the 9-5 favorite, Jeriko, in a closely contested photo finish. The race, which featured a significant purse of $700,000, added another highlight to Rodriguez’s burgeoning career.

The victory, however, was clouded by a serious incident involving another competitor. The 4-year-old horse Stanley Cartel, ridden by jockey Juan Pulido, fell after finishing sixth in the race. Emergency responders transported Stanley Cartel in an equine ambulance, but details regarding the condition of the horse and rider were not immediately provided. Rodriguez expressed mixed emotions in light of the incident, stating, “It’s a bad deal. It’s a bittersweet moment, seeing that happen,” while celebrating his horse’s triumph.

Fdd Dreams, who previously won both the Ruidoso and All American derbies, made history as the first 3-year-old to claim the Champion of Champions title since Zoomin For Spuds in 2016. The victory underscores the horse’s remarkable talent and potential, which Rodriguez emphasized, saying, “It’s just surreal, how amazing that horse is.”

The event also highlighted ongoing concerns regarding horse safety at the Los Alamitos track. In 2023, there has been an alarming increase in equine fatalities during races and training sessions, including three deaths reported in one night on November 23. The situation has raised questions about the oversight of trainers and the safety measures in place at the venue.

Stanley Cartel was prepared for the race by trainer Luke Lindsey, stepping in after Ramiro Castillo faced a ban from Los Alamitos following the deaths of five horses earlier in the year. This incident has intensified scrutiny on horse racing practices and the welfare of the animals involved.

Rodriguez looks forward to potentially adding another significant accomplishment to his resume this weekend. He plans to run the favorite, Political Twist, in the Los Alamitos 2 Million Futurity, which boasts a purse of $1,929,825. The competition for quarter-horse futurities often features substantial financial incentives, driven by early nomination and trial fees from a large pool of 2-year-olds.

As the excitement continues to build in the world of quarter horse racing, the dual aspects of triumph and tragedy serve as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictable nature and the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of both horses and riders.