Local Trainer Brad Cox Celebrates Landmark Win at Churchill Downs as Further Ado Surges Past Rivals in Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club
In a thrilling finish, Louisville native Brad Cox's highly-touted contender Further Ado sprinted past Soldier N Diplomat in mid-stretch and powered away late to claim a decisive victory in the 99th running of the $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs. This milestone win marked Cox's 500th career triumph beneath the Twin Spires, cementing his place as one of the most accomplished trainers in the historic venue's history.
Further Ado, owned by Spendthrift Farm and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., demonstrated exceptional speed and endurance to handle the 1 1/16 miles over a fast track in a blistering 1:43.33. The horse's impressive performance validated his previous maiden demolition at Keeneland, where he had opened up a staggering 20-length gap.
"It was a really good test for him," Cox reflected on Further Ado's win. "He won very impressively last time. Today he had to show a different dimension and really dig down late to get by. It's very important to get a horse like this started early on the Road to the Kentucky Derby."
Cox's impressive achievement not only propelled him into an elite group of trainers at Churchill Downs but also earned Further Ado a significant share in the winner's purse of $242,470 and 10 points on the coveted Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.
Ortiz Jr., who rode Further Ado to victory for the fourth time this meet, concurred with Cox's sentiments. "He was able to show a different dimension today," he said. "I was able to let the speed go and sit a pretty good trip. He had to really dig in late to get to the wire first. I think this race will really benefit him down the road."
As Further Ado continues his rapid ascent through the racing ranks, fans are eager to see how this talented young horse will fare in the spring. With two victories from four starts and a growing reputation on the track, it's clear that Cox has already made significant strides with this promising prospect.
In a thrilling finish, Louisville native Brad Cox's highly-touted contender Further Ado sprinted past Soldier N Diplomat in mid-stretch and powered away late to claim a decisive victory in the 99th running of the $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs. This milestone win marked Cox's 500th career triumph beneath the Twin Spires, cementing his place as one of the most accomplished trainers in the historic venue's history.
Further Ado, owned by Spendthrift Farm and ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., demonstrated exceptional speed and endurance to handle the 1 1/16 miles over a fast track in a blistering 1:43.33. The horse's impressive performance validated his previous maiden demolition at Keeneland, where he had opened up a staggering 20-length gap.
"It was a really good test for him," Cox reflected on Further Ado's win. "He won very impressively last time. Today he had to show a different dimension and really dig down late to get by. It's very important to get a horse like this started early on the Road to the Kentucky Derby."
Cox's impressive achievement not only propelled him into an elite group of trainers at Churchill Downs but also earned Further Ado a significant share in the winner's purse of $242,470 and 10 points on the coveted Road to the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.
Ortiz Jr., who rode Further Ado to victory for the fourth time this meet, concurred with Cox's sentiments. "He was able to show a different dimension today," he said. "I was able to let the speed go and sit a pretty good trip. He had to really dig in late to get to the wire first. I think this race will really benefit him down the road."
As Further Ado continues his rapid ascent through the racing ranks, fans are eager to see how this talented young horse will fare in the spring. With two victories from four starts and a growing reputation on the track, it's clear that Cox has already made significant strides with this promising prospect.
. It's all about Further Ado now and I don't even know who Brad Cox is 
. What happened to some of the other talented horses? It feels like Spendthrift Farm is just buying their way to the top 
. And what's up with the Road to the Kentucky Derby thing? Just a bunch of hype to get more people watching, if you ask me 
. Can't we just have a clean competition for once?! 
brad cox is like a genius behind the reins, getting the best out of his horses at churchill downs he's on fire right now and i think this win is gonna propel him to some big things on the road to the derby cant wait to see what's next for this talented young horse 
. And to see Further Ado dominate in his Grade II debut like that? 
That horse is something special. The fact that he's been able to show different dimensions and really dig deep late in the race just shows how talented he is. 
I'm loving the way Cox and Ortiz Jr are handling him, it's clear they're a great team. And now with all those points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, Further Ado is definitely gonna be one to watch this spring! 
his 500th win at Churchill Downs is insane! Further Ado is like, the real deal 
I love how Cox said it was a "really good test" for the horse and that he's getting started early on the Road to the Kentucky Derby 
. Ortiz Jr. is a beast too, riding Further Ado to victory for the 4th time this meet 
. This horse is gonna do BIG things! 
! The way he handles the horse, it's clear he's got a special bond with him 
. I think Further Ado has a great shot at the Kentucky Derby too 
. Do you guys think he can take on the best of the best? 
, the way he powered away in that last stretch was crazy fast! The horse's endurance is just impressive. Can't wait to see how he does in the Road to the Kentucky Derby! 
I mean, I get it, the horses look fast and all that, but isn't it just kinda... boring? 
And what's with all these trainers trying to win big prizes? Can't they just be happy with, like, winning a decent bet or something? 
. And Further Ado is pretty impressive, I guess 
. It's just weird to think about horses being trained and raced, you know? 
. Their teamwork is unbeatable 
.
. The kid's got talent for sure! 
. I've seen him work his magic before and I think this win just proves Further Ado is more than just a flash in the pan 
.