Noble's Promise Gets First Winner

Reverend John became the first winner for his sire Noble's Promise in a one-mile maiden special weight for Indiana-breds at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino Oct. 12.

John Shelley III and Larry Rogers' Reverend John, trained by Christopher Melton, has finished in the money in seven of his eight starts. In his first start he ran third to now stakes-placed Hey Mike and the stakes-winning filly Red Lodge at Keeneland. In his second start he finished second to Classic Empire, winner of the Oct. 8 Claiborne Breeders' Futurity (gr. I).

The 2-year-old colt was bred by John Shelley III and R and M Stables out of Annie's Runaway.

Noble's Promise finished a close third in the 2009 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (gr. I) and fifth in the 2010 Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). The son of Cuvee won the Dixiana Breeders' Futurity (gr. I) as a 2-year-old and the Aristides Stakes (gr. III) at 4.

He retired at the end of a winless 5-year-old season with a record of 6-7-3 from 27 starts and earnings of more than $1.19 million.

Standing at Breakway Farm in Indiana, Noble's Promise has eight reported 2014 foals and just two runners so far this year. Reverend John was also his first starter. His 2016 fee was $2,500.