18-Year-Old Lynch Wins First Race as Trainer

May 30 was a day for "firsts" at Laurel Park—Maryland's first day of racing since the COVID-19 pandemic suspension operations and the first winner for 18-year-old trainer Anthony Lynch.

Lynch's victory came with Frank Davino's Queen of Cause, who came flying down the center of the track Saturday to catch pacesetter Stiva in deep stretch and edge clear in the second race at Laurel. Queen of Cause ($31.60) completed 1 1/16 miles in 1:41.56 over firm turf in the waiver maiden claiming race for fillies and mares.

It was the first grass race of the season as live racing resumed in Maryland for the first time since March 15.

"It's amazing. I want to cry so bad right now," an emotional Lynch said. "I just have to thank everyone that's ever been with me as a trainer and been with me since I was a little kid. It means a lot."

Lynch, 18, is a son of Laurel-based trainer Cal Lynch and works for his father along with his older brother, Charlie. Queen of Cause made her first three starts last fall for Cal Lynch before being turned over to the younger Lynch.

Congrats to @lynchanthony87 who gets first win as a trainer with Frank Davino’s Queen of Cause, 3YO Creative Cause filly who breaks maiden @LaurelPark in 1st start on grass with @jorgeruizjockey up. @clynchracing (Jim McCue photos) pic.twitter.com/heJVps8VEw

— Maryland Horsemen (@mdhorsemen) May 30, 2020

"His mom and I couldn't be more proud," Cal Lynch said. "We appreciate Frank and Joe (Davino) giving a young guy this opportunity."

Anthony Lynch was fifth with his first career starter, Alphastest, Jan. 18 at Laurel. He is now 1-1-0 from nine starters.

Next-to-last in the field of 10 through a half-mile, Queen of Cause circled the field entering the stretch under Jorge Ruiz and set her sights on the leaders, closing ground steadily to prevail by 1 1/4 lengths. She is a 3-year-old daughter of Creative Cause .

"I knew she was fit and I knew that she had trained very, very well coming into this race. I expected her to run very well and she proved it today," Lynch said, unsure of how he would celebrate the milestone. "There's not much to do with the quarantine, but we'll find something."