Lady Jila Wins Arapahoe Stakes a Fourth Time

Lady Jila, owned and bred by Mike Barro, became the first Thoroughbred to win the same stakes at Arapahoe Park four times July 24.

Ridden by Mike Ziegler for trainer O.A. Martinez Jr., Lady Jila, a 9-year-old Arizona-bred mare by Jila out of the Katowice mare Papparratzi, won the Columbine Stakes in 1:48.72 for 1 1/16 miles on a track rated fast. Lady Jila also won the Columbine in 2015, 2014, and 2013, all with Ziegler aboard.

"We've had a heck of a ride with her," said Ziegler, who has ridden Lady Jila in 13 of her 14 wins at the Colorado track. "She has such a big heart, and she gives me everything she's got if I ask her.  I mean, she has been passed going down the lane before and come back and win the race for me."

Lady Jila, who has earned $292,766 on a record of 23 wins, seven seconds, and eight thirds in 55 starts, competed in $5,000 claiming races in 2012 at Arapahoe.

"We were just hoping at one time that she would break her maiden for $5,000 (at Turf Paradise in Arizona)," Barro said. "Here she is six years later, seven years later and still winning races, still winning stakes. We're just amazed. On the threshold of $300,000 earned, it's just an incredible ride we're on."

Barro said whether Lady Jila returns next year to seek a fifth consecutive win in the Columbine is strictly based on her health and fitness.