JAL Racing's Doncho not only picked up an allowance-optional claiming race victory Aug. 8 at Ellis Park, he also established a North American record in completing 5 1/2 furlongs in :59.75 on firm turf.
The time is the fastest at the distance for either turf or dirt according to North American record times tracked by Equibase. Ellis Park officials called the mark a "world record" as it lowered the mark of Cogburn , who had been considered the world record holder for his 2024 victory in the 5 1/2-furlong Jaipur Stakes (G1T) in :59.80.
Jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. guided Doncho to Friday's front-end victory over seven runners in the race for 3-year-olds and older. The 4-year-old gelded son of Mo Town —Sassy Redhead, by Henny Hughes is trained by Michelle Lovell.
"I'm so proud of this horse," Lovell said. "He deserves the credit. He ran huge today, and I'm so thankful he was able to get to the winner's circle again. Breaking a record by doing so was icing on the cake."
After breaking from Post 2, Doncho opened a clear advantage through a quarter-mile in :21.61 and maintained that advantage through a half-mile in :43.36. He opened a two-length advantage in the stretch and continued well to the wire, completing the final sixteenth of a mile in :5.76. The previous course record at Ellis was 1:00.26, set by Totally Boss in 2019.
A stakes winner, Doncho secured his fourth win in eight career starts and improved his earnings to $251,551.
