Bango, an 8-year-old son of Congrats, has retired as the all-time winningest horse at Churchill Downs, with 12 victories on the famed dirt oval and 15 lifetime wins overall, including stakes races and earnings of over $1.6 million. A special ceremony honored Bango’s legacy, with Churchill Downs presenting his owners and trainer a framed collage of his wins and a custom engraved Woodford Reserve bottle. Bango’s success was especially meaningful to owners Fred and Debbie Schwartz, who bred and owned him, having held onto his dam Josaka despite offers to sell.

The Schwartz family, based in Wisconsin but with mares near Louisville, has found greater success breeding their own racing prospects rather than buying at sales. Trainer Greg Foley, who manages nearly 10 horses for Schwartz, praised the partnership and Bango’s competitive spirit. Bango’s dam Josaka also produced another multiple winner, Eton Ridge, highlighting the strength of their breeding program. The story underscores the value of homebred horses and strong owner-trainer collaboration in achieving racing success.