Tepin Breaks Record in Coolmore Jenny Wiley

Tepin Adds Jenny Wiley to Impressive Record

By: Natalie Rietkerk

Breeders’ Cup Champion and Eclipse Award Winner Tepin remains the best turf horse in America with her dazzling victory in Saturday’s $300,000 Coolmore Jenny Wiley Stakes (Gr.1) at Keeneland. Soaring over 1 1/16 miles in 1:40.53, Tepin broke the record for the prestigious stakes race which stood for 20 years.

The landslide favorite broke from the gate well and dashed to the front of the nine horse field. She and jockey Julien Leparoux were joined by Illuminant and She’s Not Here heading into the first turn. Settling into third, Tepin stalked the early leaders who setting fractions of :23.39 at the first quarter and :46.89 at the half-mile pole. Tepin made her move as the group headed toward the stretch and took over the lead by the eighth pole – easily winning by five lengths.

On whether he feels pressure since everyone expects Tepin to perform so well, trainer Mark Casse replied, “A touch. But I have to say something. (Owner) Mr. (Robert) Masterson – if it wasn’t for him – everybody wouldn’t get to see the great Tepin. He wanted to let her run another year (rather than being retired). It puts a little pressure on us. I love it. But I just don’t want to let her down. It’s hard.”

The stunning 5-year-old bay mare is by Bernstein and was purchased at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga select yearling sale by her owner for $140,000. In Tepin’s 18 careers starts she has accumulated $2,895,973 in earnings.

Payouts
Tepin —- $2.80 $2.40 $2.10
Wekeela (FR) — $5.00 $4.40
Illuminant ————- $5.80
Dacita (CHI)

$1 Superfecta —> $416.70