At Saratoga Race Course’s closing day, Ted Noffey, a promising 2-year-old colt named with a playful nod to Spendthrift Farm’s general manager Ned Toffey, dominated the Grade I Hopeful Stakes by 8 1/2 lengths under jockey John Velazquez. This victory capped a stellar Labor Day weekend for Velazquez, who also won the Pacific Classic and the Jockey Club Gold Cup. Trainer Todd Pletcher, who guided Ted Noffey and other top contenders like Tommy Jo and Fierceness, secured his 15th meet training title, tying with Chad Brown, who also had a strong meet. Meanwhile, Irad Ortiz Jr. clinched the riding title despite sitting out the final day due to injury.
The meet also saw significant regulatory changes, including the New York Racing Association’s adoption of penny breakage on payouts, benefiting bettors by paying exact amounts rather than rounded figures. Additionally, new rules will reduce coupling entries for horses with shared ownership, increasing betting options. Elsewhere, Rick Pitino’s co-owned Johnny’s Red Storm continued an impressive streak by winning the $1 million Kentucky Downs Juvenile Sprint Stakes, highlighting the meet’s blend of emerging talent and established excellence.
