(Sunday, July 20, 2003) - For the first time in the 2003 American Quarter Horse meeting at Sam Houston Race Park, the fastest qualifier in trials came through to win the final race. Redgaf, owned by Dallas Blakely and R. P. Stuart, of Fort Worth, Texas, was brilliant tonight capturing the $23,760 Professional’s Choice Texas Challenge.

The 3-year-old son of First Place Dash broke his maiden last summer at Sam Houston Race Park and ran an excellent race in trials on July 4. Rider Eddie Cox, Jr., who rode Redgaf to victory in the trials, had the mount again this evening. He guided the Texas-bred gelding to the wire of the 350-yard stakes in a time of :17.890.

"This horse had been having a little trouble in the gates," said Cox. "We made an equipment change and he’s been leaving (the gates) much better. He ran a fantastic race in the trials and tonight he was a little nervous in the paddock. I just tried to calm him down and keep him as quiet as I could in the gates."

"We’ve had a lot of excitement with him the last couple of times," said Gilmer. "I do think that he’ll eventually calm down. He tends to be high strung and nervous, but once he gets out on the track he knows how to take care of business."

"His mama was like that in the saddling paddock, too," said Blakely. "I’d like to thank Tooter Jordan. He put the early training and breaking in this colt."
Rowdy O Toole, the second fastest qualifier in trials, ran second under rider Martin Rubalcava.

"He didn't leave too good," said Rubalcava. "By the time he got out, the winner was out about 100 yards. I thought I had a good shot to win it, but things happen; that’s racing."

Redgaf, sent off at odds of 7-1, paid $16.20 to win, $6.00 to place and $4.20 to how. The 7-3 exacta paid $49.60. The 7-3-1 trifecta returned $222.40. Completing the order of finish were Rg Sheza Trendy Lady, Fast And Best, Especially Smashing, Mr Special Colors, Luck And Cash, Yawls Special Top and Ten Quick Dollars.

Owner Blakely indicated that Redgaf will probably make his next start at Lone Star before shipping to Los Alamitos for the $75,000 Professional’s Choice Challenge Championship to be run on November 1.