Henrietta Topham Collars White Frost in Mint Julep
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Photo: Coady Photography
Henrietta Topham wins the Mint Julep Stakes at Churchill Downs
Cambus-Kenneth Farm's third generation homebred Henrietta Topham earned her first win in graded company and gave trainer Geoff Mulcahy his as well June 4 at Churchill Downs in the $222,000 Mint Julep Stakes (G3T).
The 5-year-old daughter of Lemon Drop Kid ran comfortably off the pace in the rear of the five-horse field under jockey James Graham while Javier Castellano piloted Sweet Dani Girl with a loose hold to lead through opening fractions of :24.04 and :48.13. As the field entered the stretch, 3-5 favorite White Frost made a move to challenge the leader, and it appeared to be a two-horse race until Henrietta Topham roared up from the outside. A sustained rally carried her to the front with a half-length to spare, and she completed the 1 1/16 mile turf event in 1:42.46.
White Frost settled for second while a weakening Sweet Dani Girl finished third.
"It was a great win and I'm delighted for the owners and connections, everything worked out well. ... She's very turnkey, I won't say anyone can train her but she makes it easy. She makes me look good," Mulcahy said with a smile.
Henrietta Topham ($19.24) improved her record to 5-1-0 from 12 starts and increased her earnings to $453,128. She was bred in Kentucky out of the Cozzene mare Miss Silver Brook who has two winners from two foals to race.