Banishing, a 5-year-old gelding by Ghostzapper out of Dowager, delivered a strong performance by winning the $1 million Charles Town Classic Stakes (G2) at Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races. Purchased for $80,000 at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton sale by co-owner Lawrence P. Roman, Banishing secured his fourth stakes victory and ninth career win in 23 starts, boosting his earnings to nearly $1.9 million. Ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, Banishing came from sixth place early in the race to take the lead with two furlongs remaining, finishing 2 1/4 lengths ahead of Willy D’s.
Earlier on the undercard, Barbadian Runner, a Maryland-bred gelding by Barbados, upset the $500,000 Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes for 3-year-olds. Trained by Henry Walters and ridden by Forest Boyce, Barbadian Runner rallied from seventh place to win by 2 1/2 lengths, marking his fifth win in 17 starts and pushing his earnings to $643,690. Purchased for just $5,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic sale, Barbadian Runner outperformed favorites including Tampa Bay Derby winner Owen Almighty, who finished last.
