In a display of grit and speed, Hail The Queen, a four-year-old chestnut filly conditioned and campaigned by Ian Roberts, stunned the Caymanas Park faithful on Saturday, August 16, 2025, by capturing the day’s opening contest at a mile.
Sent off at long odds of 21-1, she turned the form book on its head.
Breaking sharply from the gates, reinsman Dick Cardenas wasted no time asserting dominance. He hustled Hail The Queen straight to the lead, dictating a scorching early tempo. Close behind came Design Diva (Garvin Harris), Wicked Cassie (Robert Halledeen), and Train of Thought (Dane Dawkins), all jostling for position as the field went by the seven-furlong pole.
Down the backstretch, Hail The Queen widened her advantage, showing no signs of relenting. At the half-mile, Wicked Cassie and Crown Chaser (Shane Ellis) began to reel her in, launching their bids with intent.
As they swung into the lane, Wicked Cassie surged with purpose, briefly collaring the leader. But Cardenas, ever composed, asked for more — and the filly responded with fire. Digging deep, Hail The Queen found a second wind and stormed back to the front, pulling away with authority to win by a commanding 4¼ lengths.
Wicked Cassie held on for the runner-up spot, while Crown Chaser rounded out the top three. The final time was a respectable 1:41.1, with sectional splits of 23.4, 47.2, 1:14.0, and 1:27.3.
Bred by Hedge Fund out of Seguro Oro, Hail The Queen now boasts three wins from ten career outings and has amassed over $1.3 million in earnings.
