Grade 1 winner and first-crop Airdrie Stud stallion Happy Saver was represented by his first black-type winner Oct. 3 when Piggybunz won the $96,000 Smart Halo Stakes at Laurel Park.
The 2-year-old filly was quick from the starting gate under Sheldon Russell and led throughout the 6-furlong contest, surviving a late rally from Welovemollynteddy to win by a nose in 1:12.02 over a good, sealed track. Piggybunz is out of the winning Creative Cause mare Cause She's Fast and was bred by the Estate of Brereton Jones, which co-owns with Bowen Thoroughbred Racing.
Brittany Russell trains the now 2-for-2 gray or roan filly, who has earned $93,000.
A homebred for Wertheimer and Frere trained by Hall of Famer Todd Pletcher, Happy Saver began his career a perfect 5-for-5, which included a victory in the 2020 Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes (G1) at Belmont Park as a 3-year-old in his fourth career start. He hit the board in all of his first 11 starts, adding grade 1 placings in the 2021 Jockey Club Gold Cup and Clark Stakes (G1), as well as the 2022 Metropolitan Handicap (G1) and Whitney Stakes (G1).
Happy Saver retired with a career record of 5-5-1 from 13 starts for earnings of $1,258,100. He stood the 2026 season at Airdrie for a $7,500 fee.
