FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5/30 2009

FROM LAST TO FIRST HALMI MOWS DOWN THE FIELD IN THE

$50,000 GREEN CARPET AT RIVER DOWNS

Veteran jockey Pablo Tolentino saw his patience pay off in the final furlong as his mount Halmi captured the $50,000 Green Carpet Stakes at River Downs on Saturday.  It was his first time in a turf race so I let him settle in and get a feel for it,” stated the Peruvian rider.  “He got his confidence halfway through and I could see as he picked up the pace there might be traffic ahead so I circled the field.”

Lipstick ‘n Lace set the pace for most of the race with Crossed Sabres in close contention. Hurley’s Way inherited the lead into the stretch as the top two faded quickly through the lane.  Halmi, a 3-year-old son of Prized, engaged the leader Hurley’s Way with a sixteenth of a mile left and held him sway by a half-length at the wire.

Owner and breeder Laurie Hickman, who raised the winner at her farm in Amelia, Ohio was ecstatic.  “It’s a family affair!  I claimed her mother who has my name and Halmi is my maiden name, I can’t believe it!” Hickman screamed before giving trainer Jeff Greenhill and anyone else in the winner’s circle, a big hug.  “It’s awesome, “ she said.  “To arrange the mating, raise the foal, watch them grow and train and now this – I can’t describe it, but I think I’m going to faint.” 

The win in the Green Carpet, a race for Ohio-bred 3-year-olds, was Halmi’s third victory in eight lifetime starts and moves his career earning to $55,672.  Hurley’s Way, making his first start outside of California after moving from the stable of Bob Baffert settled for the second spot two lengths ahead of Raise the Reward.  The final time for the 1 1/16 mile turf race was 1:45.40.  Halmi paid $17.60, $5.80 and $4.00, Hurley’s Way returned $4.40 and $3.40 and Raise the Reward had a show payoff of $3.60.