FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

7/12/09

DRUMMOND ISLAND SWEEPS $50,000 HOOVER STAKES

Benefiting from a well timed ride by Jockey Rodney Prescott, Ziba Graham's Drummond Island captured the $50,000 Hoover Stakes at River Downs on Sunday, July 12.  It was only the second lifetime start for the 2-year-old Ohio-bred gelding who is trained by William (Doug) Cowans.

"He broke with the leaders, but I elected to take back a bit and let the top two go on," said Prescott.  "He responded to my asking when we hit the lane and he edged past the leaders at the furlong marker.  The problem was - they wouldn't go away."  Prescott guided the son of Habayeb to the outside of odds-on favorite Infatuation and the public's second choice Busha'.  Drummond Island edged away to a one length victory, with Infatuation holding on by a neck over Busha'.

Trainer Doug Cowans said the next start for Drummond Island may be the prep race for the $200,000 Bud Select Cradle Stakes.  "He seems like a horse that will want to go long, but I'm not sure if he likes the turf yet," stated Cowans, who saddled the winner of the $100,000 Cleveland Gold Cup a week ago. "Now that's he's a stakes winner we can work him over the course here and find out. I'd love to win the Cradle here."

Drummond Island raced the 5 1/2 furlongs of the Hoover Stakes in 1:06 over a fast track,  he returned $13.80, $3.40 and $3.20.  Infatuation returned $2.10 and $2.10 while Busha' had a show payoff of $2.80.