It seemed like a fitting end to the 2022 Arabian racing year. The final pair of Grade 3 stakes for Arabians of the year has been rescheduled to this past Thursday evening after being rained out the week prior, and the evening delivered what seemed to be an extra dose of excitement to close out Arabian racing in 2022. And with nearly $70,000 in purse money on the line between the two races, it was no wonder why.
Kicking things off was the filly/mare division of the TX Stallion Stakes (G3), bringing together a field of eight fillies and mares that included former Darley nominees, Darley champions, and graded stakes winners. But it was the 20-1 long shot WMA Big Baby that, delivering the biggest performance of her career to date for owner/trainer Rita DeLeon, shocked crowds when she upset favorites Uptown Lady Arabella and Pearls Spirit AA to win by 2 3/4 length with jockey John Jude aboard.
Just for Fun MHF was second. Pearls Spirit AA was third. Final time for the one mile event was 1:53.37.
Congratulations to all the winning connections!
Photo by Dustin Orona
