(Grand Prairie, Texas - Saturday, October 13, 2019) - Veteran jockey John Hamilton was in town to ride Hot Dam Bam a Lam in the 23rd running of the $75,000 Refrigerator Stakes (G1), and it was well worth the trip. Breaking from the outside post, the pair was away good to get second position in the early going, and though drifting out a bit, responded late, getting up to win by a half-length over favorite Political Attraction at the wire. Final time for the 440 yard stake was :21.512 seconds. Speed index was 97.

An Oklahoma-bred, Hot Dam Bam a Lam is a four-year-old black gelding by Captain Courage out of Hot Nova, a daughter of Hot Colours. He's bred and owned by Gene Cox of Chester, South Carolina. Trey Ellis was the winning trainer.

At odds of 17.90-1, Hot Dam Bam a Lam rewarded handsomely with $37.80, $12.20 and $5.60. Political Attraction again was the favorite and returned $2.80 and $2.60. Stone Cold Leader was third by a neck and paid $2.60. It was a head back to fourth-placed Rock About It, followed by Hes Limitless, Rarin, Papaws Paint, Vallero and Strykr Force. Tough to Bee was a late scratch by the stewards.

This was the second win for Hot Dam Bam a Lam this year. He won the Esplanade Stakes at Fair Grounds in August. John Hamilton was aboard for that victory, as well. With tonight's winner's share of the purse, Hot Dam Bam a Lam's career earnings are now $181,113. His career record is 16-6-2-6.

Emmanuel Castaneda Rides First Winner

Emmanuel Castaneda rode his first professional race tonight and won it.

"I told my mom last night that I was going to win," said Castaneda. Luckily both she and his father were both on hand to see him ride Chicks First Brimm to victory in the fifth race.

It was very emotional in the winner's circle for young Castaneda and trainer Don Poteet as they embraced with tears of joy. Castaneda just got his riding license two weeks ago and put it to use for the first time tonight. There were a lot of high fives and salutes from fans as he walked up the tunnel. Waiting for him in the paddock was the biggest surprise as fellow jockeys were waiting. As is customary for a jockey's first win, he got to take a dip in the paddock fountain. It wasn't his choice.

Live racing resumes Friday, October 18 at 6: 05 pm. Gates open at 5:00 p.m.