Always Bourbon delivered a noticeable local debut at Caymanas Park on Saturday, September 19, 2026, showcasing raw talent to snatch victory in the Louis Hitchins Memorial Cup and leaving trainer Ian Alexander thrilled with his colt’s early potential.
The three-year-old American-bred grey/roan colt was forced to dig deep over the seven-furlong trip, in a native-bred non-winners of two and imported maidens. Partnered by jockey Paul “Country” Francis, Always Bourbon prevailed by a head in a driving finish over Maverick (Robert Halledeen), with God’s Plan (Emelio McLean) two lengths further back in third. Following a post-race stewards’ inquiry into interference caused to God's Plan, Maverick was disqualified to third, promoting God's Plan to runner-up. Always Bourbon completed the distance in 1:28.2 after sectional times of 24.0, 47.4, and 1:14.2.
Alexander viewed the victory as a successful initial assessment, emphasizing that the colt is still early in his progression.
"I am very pleased with the performance because he has not reached where we want him to be. It was just what you would call an introduction out here to see what he is made of and what he can do. He is still green, he is not ready yet, far from ready, so we are just trying to see exactly where he is at."
The trainer confirmed that the colt emerged from his trial in stellar condition, noting he will carefully evaluate Always Bourbon's development before plotting his next move.
Always Bourbon broke cleanly from the gates, settling comfortably in third position behind early pacesetters Cindy’s Rush (Omar Walker) and Maverick along the backstretch. As Maverick increased the tempo at the half-mile turn, Always Bourbon closed in to mount his challenge. Maverick continued to fight stubbornly down the lane and looked set to hold on, but Always Bourbon rallied furiously in tandem with God’s Plan, securing the victory in the dying strides.
Bred by Always Dreaming out of the Candy Ride mare Tuberose, the progress of Always Bourbon will be watched closely.a
