Page 172 - Speedhorse October 2018

The Downs at Albuquerque Fall Championship-G1
JESSIES FIRST DOWN
by Danny Camp
When in the presence of royalty, stand at attention and take off your hat. One might think that’s what should happen when Jessies First Down walks by.
The 2011 bay gelding has won 18 races out of 36 outs, and most of them have been in stakes company.
The seven year old only seems to be getting better with age, as he has won his last 11 out of 13 starts.
His latest victory was in the 440-yard Fall Quarter Horse Championship at The Downs at Albuquerque on Sept. 23 that carried a total purse of $300,000.
Jessies First Down
stepped away from the
outside six-post with all the
confidence in the world.
He didn’t get the first call
and was a bit tardy the first half of the race, but regular rider Rodrigo Vallejo sensed the urgency and the gelding responded by length- ening his stride.
The team crossed the line 1/2-length in front and stopped the timer at :21.174 for a 101 speed index.
Jessies First Down earned the first place money worth $181,800, boosting his total earnings to $1,477,640.
His team includes owner Ted Abrams and trainer James Padgett II.
Jessies First Down was bred in Texas by Ted Abrams out of 2007 Rainbow Futurity-G1 final- ist Jess A Classy Lassy. The mare has produced 100% earners from seven starters, including 2012 All American Futurity-G1 finalist Jess A Zoomin.
Two-time World Champion/4-Time Champion/2-Time New Track Record setter Jessies First Down is the first stakes winner of the brood as well as the top money earner.
“This horse has told his own story,” according to owner Ted Abrams. “He
may be the best 440-yard horse ever. He has tied Tailor Fit and Kool Kue Baby for 440-yard wins. If we can win World Champion this year,
he will tie Go Man Go with three.
“We raised this horse on our ranch, and it looks like the next step is Sunland Park,”
Abrams added. “Many thanks to Jim Padgett and his crew. We have a seven year old horse without a nick on him. Thanks also to Rodrigo Vallejo for never asking Jessie for more than necessary. That adds to his soundness.”
Rodrigo Vallejo chimed in, “Jessie is a pro- fessional in every aspect. He eats like a champ
Ted & Nancy Abrams
The Downs at Albuquerque $300,000 • 440 yards :21.174 • si 101
First Down Dash
FDD Dynasty
Dinastia Toll BRZ
JESSIES FIRST DOWN, ’11-g.
Mr Jess Perry
Jess A Classy Lassy
Mighty Classy Lassy
170 SPEEDHORSE, October 2018
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