MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (Nov. 26, 2011) – Stella Perdomo’s 9-year-old German-bred horse Musketier added another Graded stakes victory to his already impressive resume after winning the $150,000 W.L. McKnight Handicap (G2) at Calder Casino & Race Course on Saturday for trainer Roger Attfield. The trainer also saddled the second place finisher, Haras Santa Maria de Araras’ homebred 6-year-old horse Simmard. Winchester, the favorite, finished third.

Ridden by leading Tropical Meet jockey Luis Saez, Musketier covered the mile and a half over firm turf in 2:28.25 and paid $11.60, $5.20, and $2.60. Musketier defeated Simmard by a half-length. It was three-quarters of a length back to Winchester in third.

The winner’s share of the purse pushes Musketier’s lifetime earnings to $985,043.


Winning trainer’s quotes:

Roger Attfield – “In the Canadian International, the ground was more than just yielding. It was very deep. He can handle ground with give to it, but not that deep. Still, he ran all right as it was. The ground was why I didn’t run Perfect Shirl that afternoon in the E.P. Taylor. He’s just been a lovely horse to have. I’ve had some perform at this level up to maybe eight years old, but not at this age (nine). I’ve talked it over with the owners and they’ve said, ‘If he’s happy with what he’s doing, go on and race him next year at 10.’ Also, the environment at Payson Park is just wonderful for an older horse to thrive. There’s plenty of room and it’s quiet. Right now, I’d say he’ll run maybe once at Gulftream and then go back to Keeneland in the spring and try to win the Elkhorn for a third year in a row.”


Winning jockey’s quotes:

Luis Saez – “This horse looked good on paper and I was excited to have the chance to ride for such a good trainer. I tried to put him (Musketier) in good position…we were about third all the way, just very relaxed. Coming down the stretch, the rail opened up for us and he took off. And we won, thank God. I hope to ride for Mr. Attfield more at Gulfstream this winter.”