In a thrilling contest on April 12, 2025, the eight-year-old grey gelding Lord of Ajahlon, trained by Joseph Thomas, edged out So Beautiful in a hard-fought victory during the opening race.
The event was a three-year-old and up Optional Claiming race ($500,000-$400,000), with participants including six-year-olds and non-winners of three, covering a distance of 5½ furlongs. Lord of Ajahlon finished the race in a time of 1:11.1, with split times of 24.1, 49.3, and 1:03.2.
As the race began, So Beautiful, with Romane Gordon in the saddle, quickly took the lead, while Lord of Ajahlon settled comfortably mid-pack. Little Grovy Thing and Salud followed closely as the field rounded the half-mile turn. In a strategic manoeuvre, jockey Jerome Innis urged Lord of Ajahlon forward, moving him into second place as they neared the final stretch.
With a powerful drive and determined effort, Lord of Ajahlon closed the gap on So Beautiful, clinching victory by a mere nose in a dramatic finish that left spectators on the edge of their seats.
