Frosted Takes Pennsylvania Derby on Day of Mourning for Owner

Frosted was much the best in the $1-million Pennsylvania Derby on Saturday at Parx Racing. (Photo By Bill Denver/EQUI-PHOTO)
Frosted earned his first victory since April with a powerhouse performance in the $1-million Pennsylvania Derby on Saturday at Parx Racing, but the win for owner Godolphin Racing unfortunately was overshadowed by the devastating loss of a family member.
Godolphin Racing is the global racing operation of the Maktoum family and was founded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. Sheikh Mohammed’s oldest son, Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum, died Saturday of a heart attack. He was 33.
Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum raced Thoroughbreds as Zabeel Racing International and enjoyed success with standouts such as Grade 1 winner Henny Hughes.
“I watched him grow up when I spent 10 years in Dubai [training for the Maktoum family],” Frosted’s trainer, Kiaran McLaughlin, told Blood-Horse earlier on Saturday. “I knew him pretty well. He was sharp about horses and was a good horseman. I feel really sad for his father and the whole family.”
Blood-Horse reported a three-day period of mourning has been declared in Dubai, with flags to be flown at half-staff.
Click here for more from Blood-Horse on the loss of Sheikh Rashid bin Mohammad bin Rashid al Maktoum
Nine horses lined up for the Pennsylvania Derby with Frosted pegged as the even-money favorite. Although he had not won a race since the Grade 1 Twinspires.com Wood Memorial Stakes on April 4, the Tapit colt had performed well in many of the most important races in the U.S.
Frosted finished fourth in the Kentucky Derby, second in the Belmont Stakes and second in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes. He entered the Pennsylvania Derby off a third-place finish in the Grade 1, $1.6-million Travers Stakes.
Jockey Joel Rosario guided Frosted to the inside shortly after the start and saved ground early while relaxing behind a fairly easy pace set by Mr. Z.
Frosted moved up with little encouragement entering the stretch and quickly seized a clear lead from runner-up Iron Fist, who led briefly, en route to a two-length victory.
Frosted completed the 1 1/8-mile race in 1:50.04 for his third wins in 12 career starts. He boosted his career earnings to $2,062,800 with the $576,000 winner’s share.
Owned and bred by Sheikh Mohammed, Frosted is out of 2003 Cotillion Stakes winner Fast Cookie, by Deputy Minister.
Iron Fist finished second, eight lengths clear of third-place finisher Tommy Macho. Mr. Z faded to fourth.
For an Equibase chart, click here.
FROSTED SCORES IN PENNSYLVANIA DERBY

Photo By Taylor Ejdys/EQUI-PHOTO