Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Russell, Rigattieri, PTK LLC Capture Spring Meet Titles

BALTIMORE, 05-23-11---The eight-week Pimlico Race Course spring meeting ended Saturday afternoon with Sheldon Russell, John Rigattieri and PTK LLC winning individual titles. The 29-day stand began at the historic home of the Preakness Stakes (G1) on April 1.

Russell won 26 races during the stand to edge Julian Pimentel by two for the riding title. Russell, who also captured the Laurel Park winter meet title earlier this year, had eight multiple win days during the meet. The 23-year-old was aboard Concealed Identity in Saturday’s Preakness. The Eddie Gaudet trainee finished 10th in Maryland’s signature race.


“It was a life-changing experience and believe it will be great for my career,” Russell said of his Preakness experience. “It is the best feeling I have had in racing. The roars of the crowd were something I have never experienced. I usually watch from the jocks room, so for me to take part in it this year was a dream. It was great to be part of the entire event from the post position draw to the Alibi Breakfast.”

Rigattieri saddled 11 winners during the stand, one more than Dale Capuano, Dane Kobiskie and Mike Trombetta.

PTK LLC topped the owner standings for the second consecutive year at Old Hilltop, finishing first 10 times from 48 starters, all with Kobiskie.

Live racing will return to the major Maryland tracks on Saturday, September 10 at Laurel Park for the fall meeting, which follows a two weekend stand at the Timonium State Fair.

Handle figures will be announced later in the week.

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