Trainer Ronald Coy saddled his first winner in the United States Jan. 10 at Gulfstream Park.
The longtime assistant to Juan Andres Rodriguez in his native Venezuela and the U.S. scored with his 12th starter since going on his own.
Sandpiper Memories ($4.80) stalked the early pace before kicking in through the stretch to win race 7, a mile-and-70-yard $20,000 claiming race for fillies and mares, by two lengths under Ivan Pimentel Jr.
"I'm so happy. It's a blessing from God," the 51-year-old Coy said in the Gulfstream winner's circle.
Coy, who is currently training a stable of nine horses at Gulfstream Park, claimed Sandpiper Memories for $12,500 Oct. 13. The daughter of Mohaymen overcame a bumping start to finish second in an optional claiming starter allowance at Gulfstream Dec. 14 in her first start for Coy.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
