For Immediate Release
Friday, September 23, 2011
ANTIOCH DIAMOND STREAK CONTINUES, WINS RP TURF SPRINT AGAIN
OKLAHOMA CITY – The $50,000 Remington Park Turf Sprint was won for the second consecutive year by Antioch Diamond on Friday night. The 6-year-old pulled clear to win by a length and run his local winning streak to six straight races.
Owned by Claude Box of Elmore City, Okla. and trained by his son Aaron Box, Antioch Diamond was ridden by Cliff Berry in the race for Oklahoma-breds, 3-year-olds and older. Berry was impressed with Antioch Diamond’s effort and tactical speed.
“I pushed him to stay up on the lead in the turn,” Berry noted as Antioch Diamond battled from his rail post position to stay with the early pace-setter Conkigo. “He has a big motor and finished great.”
Antioch Diamond pulled even with Conkigo before the end of the lone turn in the Remington Park Turf Sprint and was set for a stretch confrontation. The lead pair moved clear of any rival by four lengths in mid-stretch, determined to settle the stakes event between them. In the final sixteenth of a mile, Antioch Diamond reached for more and managed to pull clear of his foe to win by a length in :55.97 seconds over the firm turf.
The 3-5 wagering favorite, Antioch Diamond paid $3.40 to win, $2.40 to place and $2.20 to show. Conkigo returned $4.20 to place and $3.20 to show. Her Man was along for third, 3-1/4 lengths behind the runner-up, paying $5.40 to show.
The Remington Park Turf Sprint was the 12th career win from 24 lifetime starts for Antioch Diamond, a gelding by Deodar from the Vanlandingham mare Diamond Ruth. The win is his sixth from 10 starts at Remington Park. All six of the wins here have taken place consecutively, dating back to Aug 2010, with all but one of the wins over the turf.
The second Remington Park Turf Sprint in as many years was worth $30,000 to Antioch Diamond who has now made $222,983 overall.
The victory was the second Remington Park Turf Sprint for owner Claude Box and trainer Aaron Box, who consider Antioch Diamond their family horse. Berry won his second Turf Sprint as well, having scored in 2007 aboard Marq French.
Remington Park’s 2011 Thoroughbred Season continues Saturday night, starting at 6:30pm (central). The marquee race of the season is the $400,000 Oklahoma Derby on Sunday, Oct. 16. The season continues thru Dec. 10.
Open daily at 10am for casino gaming and simulcast racing, Remington Park also features Henry Hudson’s on the first floor, which opens for lunch at 11am. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park.
Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino, located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
Antioch Diamond and jockey Cliff Berry winning the Remington Park Turf Sprint
Photo Credit: Dustin Orona Photography