For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim Miller (708) 780-3700
Oeuvre Becomes Newest Illinois-bred Millionaire
STICKNEY, IL – Owner Richard Perkins six-year-old chestnut mare, Oeuvre, became the newest Illinois-bred millionaire as she battled to a game victory in the $50,000 Third Chance on Sunday at Hawthorne. The stakes event for fillies and mares had a field of six after the scratch of Managing Mischief and was contested at six furlongs over a fast track.
Leaving quickly for the lead was second choice Gray Lightning, as Orlando Mojica hustled him clear while the 4-5 favored Oeuvre got off a step slow and was last early. Following a snappy quarter in :22.30, Gray Lightning held a two length lead over Beehive into the turn, with Oeuvre moving up along the inside under Jareth Loveberry into fourth. After a half in :45.76, Gray Lightning maintained her lead while Oeuvre picked up the chase. With the wire approaching and Gray Lightning battling on, Oeuvre was game, getting up in the final stride to win by a head in 1:10.62. Gray Lightning held second and was followed by Beehive.
The win was the 19th in Oeuvre’s career from 37 starts as the $30,000 winner’s share pushed her lifetime earnings to $1,029,886. Owned and bred by Richard Perkins, Oeuvre is trained by Chris Block. The win was her 11th in 15 Hawthorne starts. Oeuvre returned $3.80, $2.40 and $2.10. Gray Lightning paid $3.40 and $2.60 while Beehive returned $3.40 to show.
Following the race Chris Block talked about his newest millionaire, “She’s unique in so many ways. She makes my job easy. She’s all heart and determination. She’s maybe lost a step, but she loves this racetrack. It was great to get her back with Jareth today and get her over the million-dollar mark. Bringing her in off the layoff is really no trouble because she puts a lot into her training.”
Jockey Jareth Loveberry had to overcome to slow start as he guided Oeuvre to the win, “She’s always been a special horse. Sometimes she catches herself in the gate. I’ve known her for a long time now and I just let her be her. She knows how to win and just gutted it out today. Getting her over the million dollar mark with the win, that’s special.”
Hawthorne Race Course, Chicago’s Hometown Track, is open daily for full-card simulcasting as well as for sports wagering in the Fanatics Sportsbook. The summer thoroughbred meet began on March 27 and races through November 3. For any information about Hawthorne Race Course visit our website www.HawthorneRaceCourse.com.