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 Micah Husbands celebrates on Eunomia after winning the 2026 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes |
The highlight race at Del Mar on Saturday was the $400,000 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes (G1) presented by the Oak Tree Racing Association for older fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles on the main track, looking for automatic entry into the Breeders' Cup Distaff under the Challenge Series program. Conditions were excellent in north San Diego County with sunny skies and temperatures in the high 70s for the 12,514 fans in attendance. A field of 9 made final entry with last year's winner Seismic Beauty sent off as the 3-2 favorite off a third place finish in the Santa Margarita (G2). In to challenge her included 3-1 second choice Majestic Oops off third place finishes in the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) and Shawnee Stakes (G2), and 9-2 third choice Chasten, winner of the Obeah Stake after finishing fifth in the La Troienne (G1).
 Eunomia rallies down the stretch in the Clement L. Hirsch Stakes |
Jockey Emisael Jaramillo sent 15-2 fifth choice Simply Joking to the lead first time by through fractions of 23.20, 46.81, and 1:10.99 while pressed by Seismic Beauty and stalked by 12-1 Eunomia. Turning for home Seismic Beauty tired as Eunomia swept to the lead 3 wide through 1 mile in 1:37.03. Kept to task by Micah Husbands, Eunomia held off late-running 13-2 fourth choice Om N Joy by 1/2 a length in 1:44.10. It was another length back to pacesetter Simply Joking third, while favorite Seismic Beauty was eased late to finish 8th beaten 27 1/4 lengths.
Pgm Horse Jockey Win Place Show 9 Eunomia Husbands 26.80 9.20 5.80 3 Om N Joy Desormeaux 7.00 3.80 6 Simply Joking Jaramillo 5.00 Winning Time: 1:44.10 $2 Quinella 3-9 94.20 $1 Exacta 9-3 70.20 $1 Trifecta 9-3-6 400.60 $1 Superfecta 9-3-6-5 1,379.20Results Chart |
Left: Eunomia in the winner's circle. Winning trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. said, "We thought this was a good spot. It's a Grade 1, and if we didn't win it, if we ran second or third, it was more important than running second or third in the Shuvee. We had three chances in this to enhance her value (with a Grade 1 placing). Ideally I wanted her to sit just behind the front runners but the filly was a bit keen. I had told Micah she doesn't like to fight you so he didn't do that and instead got into a good rhythm where she got comfortable and we got first run on them. Obviously, the horse on the inside was battling and I was just hoping our filly would find a little bit more and she did. Thankfully she held them off."
Right: Eunomia in the walking ring. Winning jockey Micah Husbands, celebrating his first Del Mar win said, "I didn't have any special instruction on how to ride her. Saffie just told me to find a good spot and make her comfortable. She did just that. I could tell they weren't going that fast for these type horses, so I was comfortable with her all the way around. She gave me a good kick and we got it done. My first ride at Del Mar and it was a good one."
Left: Second place finisher Om N Joy in the walking ring before the race. Trainer Aggie Ordonez said, "I loved it. She showed guts and courage all the way, I loved every part about it."
Right: Third place finisher Simply Joking returns after the race. Trainer Mike McCarthy said, "Given the way the inside's been here the last couple days, I thought she battled back very game."
Eighth place finisher and beaten favorite Seismic Beauty in the paddock before the race. The Bob Baffert trainee has a record of 4 wins, 2 seconds, and 2 thirds in 9 starts, earning $500,840 for owner Boyd Racing.
On the Whim in the winner's circle. Winning trainer Dean Pederson said, "He was pressured the whole way, and I was just hoping the last 70 yards wouldn't take a toll on him. He gutted it out and got the job done. I told Tiago to just put him in the race." Jockey Tiago Pereira added, "The horse next to me broke a little slow, which allowed me to get over and get a good spot on the rail. That helped a lot. I know this horse. He ran hard all the way. And we were able to save ground."
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