(May 17, 2003)- Coastalota, the reigning Texas’ Champion Older Female, was victorious in her 2003 debut, winning Saturday’s $50,000 JEH Stallion Station Stakes by a neck over Halo Tyra at Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Texas. The 6-year-old mare, winner of last year’s edition of the race also, was disregarded by bettors and paid $16.80 to win as the 7-1 third wagering choice in the field of six older females.

Ridden by E.J. Perrodin and trained by Randy Mayfield, Coastalota was clocked in 1:16.48 for 6 ½ furlongs. It was her ninth victory in 23 starts.

“This old mare tries every time you bring her to the paddock,” Mayfield said. “She always brings her race.”

The $30,000 winner’s share of the purse boosted Coastalota’s career earnings to $328,598 for owner H.L. Southard of Avalon, Texas. Mayfield indicated that a defense of her title in the $100,000 Allen Bogan Memorial Stakes on June 28 at Lone Star Park is next on the agenda for the daughter of Dixieland Heat.

The JEH Stallion Station was the featured live race on the Preakness Stakes Day. The 12,524 in attendance at Lone Star Park wagered a record $591,850 on the second jewel of horse racing’s Visa Triple Crown. New York-bred Funny Cide will return home June 7 to attempt just the 12th sweep of the prestigious three-race series in the $1 million Belmont Stakes against the likes of Empire Maker, Atswhatimtalkinbout and Lone Star Derby winner Dynever. On Saturday, he cruised to a 9 ¾-length victory over Midway Road in the Preakness.