For the first time in the 91-year history of the historic Longacres Mile, the outcome was decided by a disqualification.
After a thrilling and elongated stretch run, Touchy, the 3 to 5 favorite, prevailed by a nose over 32 to 1 upstart Adios Jojo. The stewards, however, immediately lit the inquiry sign, and Kevin Orozco aboard Adios Jojo also claimed foul against Touchy alleging interference in the stretch.
Sign up an bet on Emerald Downs, Saratoga, Del Mar and 500+ other tracks at Iron Bets! New players can earn up to a $300 deposit bonus! At Iron Bets look for Daily Promotions throughout the week! Iron Bets players also will receive great rewards, free past performances and more!
Bet on Emerald Downs at Iron Bets!
The three stewards deliberated several minutes before reaching a unanimous verdict—disqualifying Touchy and jockey Yedsit Hazlewood from first to second place. Adios Jojo was promoted from second to first, producing payouts of $67.80, $11.24, and $5.96.
“The horses were head and head and (Touchy) came over on Adios Jojo,” said Presiding Steward Vince Funk. “We felt the interference was enough to make the difference. It cost (Adios Jojo) the decision.”
Scoring his first Mile victory, Orozco said the verdict was just.
“Both horses were battling to the last jump and my horse was really digging in, and then what happened happened,” Orozco said.
Howie Gibson Saddles Winner
Trained by 33-year-old Howie Gibson for Chad Christensen and Josh McKee of Enumclaw, Adios Jojo was timed in 1:35.29 and earned $68,750 for the victory. A 4-year-old Oregon-bred by Smiling Tiger, Adios Jojo has an overall mark of 5-2-4 in 15 starts with earnings of $142,821.
Adios Jojo and Touchy ran first and second the entire eight furlongs, Adios Jojo setting splits of :23.23, :45.65, 1:09.34, and 1:21.88. Touchy engaged the leader in the stretch and appeared to finally have the measure of his resilient foe, but Adios Jojo refused to back down.
Ward Disappointed in Outcome
Wesley Ward, trainer of Touchy, said it was a blow to have his lifelong dream of winning the Mile lost via DQ.
“That was a tough one, but that’s racing” Ward said. “I’ve coveted winning this race as everyone knows. It’s a very tough way to lose.”
Owned by Three Chimneys Farm, Touchy was a strong favorite based on solid Midwest and East Coast races including stakes placings at Saratoga, Pimlico and Turfway Park. He earned $25,000 to move his overall mark to 3-4-2 in 11 starts with earnings of $383,767.
Touchy paid $2.56 and $2.10.
Slew’s Tiz Whiz and jockey Frank Alvarado rallied for third place, 1 1/2 lengths back of the top pair. It’s the fourth top three finish in the last five Miles for the 8-year-old gelding. Owned by Slew’s Crew racing and trained by Tom Wenzel, Slew’s Tiz Whiz paid $2.82.
He’s Not Talking, Kevin Krigger riding, finished fourth while Si That Tiger, J. B. Books, Executive Chef and Catch a Breeze rounded out the complete order of finish.
Si That Tiger, 2 to 1 second choice, raced slightly off the pace and gave way through the stretch.
“Jojo” Third Oregon Bred to Win Mile
Adios Jojo is only the third Oregon-bred Mile winner, and the first since Praise Jay in 1969.
Gibson, the meet’s leading trainer, had three wins Sunday including two stakes and said winning the Longacres Mile is a dream, especially with a horse running for a $25,000 claiming price last Memorial Day.
“Even the experience of running in the (Mile) was great, just unbelievable,” Gibson said. “After the last win, I knew Chad (Christensen) would appreciate running in the Mile. It’s a great day.”
No Giveaway at $122 in 2005 holds the record for biggest payout in Mile history.
