Record-Setting Ellis Win for Doncho

Doncho, who was born and raised at Nicky Drion Thoroughbreds and offered at our Keeneland January consignment in 2022, posted his fourth win in eight starts at Ellis Park yesterday, setting a North American track record for 5 1/2 furlongs on any surface in :59.75. Ellis Park also credited the 4-year-old with the world record for the distance; Cogburn had previously been considered the world record holder after his win in the G1 Jaipur S. in :59.80. The allowance optional claiming contest was staged over firm turf.

Doncho, who was eventually purchased from the OBS June Sale by owner JAL Racing, is trained by Michelle Lovell and was ridden by Brian Hernandez in his latest win. The winner of his first two starts at Fair Grounds in the winter of 2023/24, Doncho took the Listed Gold Fever S. at Belmont at the Big A last spring. All of this prior wins back on the dirt, with Doncho’s only previous try on the turf prior to Friday being an off-the-board finish at Keeneland earlier this season.