On stable Recovery day at Keeneland, trainer Will Walden celebrated a significant milestone by winning the $1,038,750 Turf Mile Stakes (G1T) with Rhetorical, a 4-year-old gelding by Not This Time. Despite Rhetorical’s limited experience outside New York-bred races, Walden’s confidence in the horse’s potential was rewarded as jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. skillfully positioned Rhetorical to take the lead in the stretch and secure a three-quarter-length victory. This marked Walden’s first Grade 1 win, a remarkable achievement given his personal journey overcoming addiction and rebuilding his career with support from Taylor Made Farm.
Rhetorical’s victory not only highlighted the talent of his sire, Not This Time, but also earned him an automatic berth to the prestigious $2 million Breeders’ Cup Mile at Del Mar. Walden expressed gratitude for the opportunity given by Frank Taylor of Taylor Made, emphasizing the significance of winning on stable Recovery day and the symbolic nature of his comeback. With this Grade 1 win, Walden and Rhetorical aim to compete against the world’s best milers, continuing their upward trajectory in the Thoroughbred racing world.
