Texas Silk racked up an impressive win at the G2 Lorelei Derby, which took place October 3 at Will Rogers Downs in Claremore, Oklahoma. The 2012 sorrel solid Paint-bred gelding by Texas Six and out of Judys Silk earned more than $11,000 for owner Charles Leggett of Muskogee, Oklahoma, bringing his lifetime earnings to more than $230,000.
Texas Silk was able to hold off strong challenges from Shezapaintyourwagon and Cant Be Caught (ApHC) over the 400-yard distance, winning by a neck with a time of 19.899 seconds. Trainer Dee Keener is no stranger to the winner’s circle, having captured four consecutive APHA Leading Trainer awards. Jockey Jimmy Brooks sits inside the Top 10 standings for 2015 Leading Jockey based on earnings.
Bred by H.T. and Kay Churchwell of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Texas Silk was the 2014 World Champion Solid Paint-Bred Running Horse. The gelding won the G1 PSBA Derby in April, finished second in the Colors of the Wind Maturity in August and finished third in the G1 Cowboy & Western Heritage Handicap in May and the G1 Lewis Wartchow Memorial Stakes in July. Texas Silk is currently ranked No. 5 on APHA’s leading money-earners for 2015.
Shezapaintyourwagon put in a stellar performance, earning her second-place finish by a nose. Ridden by James Flores, the 2012 bay solid Paint-bred mare is owned and was bred by Norman Hollingsworth of Norman, Oklahoma. This was the first stakes finish for Shezapaintyourwagon, who is trained by Devyn Shaw. Shezapaintyourwagon finished in 19.950 seconds, earning a personal best speed index of 91 and taking home a check for more than $4,000. The mare is by PYC Paint Your Wagon (QH) and out of Shezarareimage.
Third in the Lorelei Derby went to the Appaloosa Cant Be Caught, ridden by Randy Wilson and trained by Dee Keener. Finishing only a nose behind Shezapaintyourwagon, Cant Be Caught finished in 19.991 seconds and earned more than $3,000 for owner John C. Diediker and his connections.
Others in the field included Dashin JJ, Gitter Dun Turnpike, Scuba Steve, Maddies Rare Corona, Wagon On Turnpike, BP Baileys Success and WB Valentina.
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About APHA
The American Paint Horse Association is the world’s second-largest international equine breed association, registering more than a million horses in 59 nations and territories since it was founded. APHA creates and maintains programs that increase the value of American Paint Horses and enriches members’ experiences with their horses.