With two full days of racing to go, trainer Chad Brown set the record of 41 wins at a Saratoga meet when Spirit Animal (Lemon Drop Kid) won a 2-year-old maiden special weight Saturday.
“The 2-year-olds are really key to this meet,” said Brown. “If you can get some of them ready to win some 2-year-old races, you're most likely going to have a good meet.”
The previous record of 40 wins was set by Brown when he won Saratoga's 2016 training title. The mark was tied in 2017 when Todd Pletcher captured the title.
“It was a goal, whether it happened this season or another season, to hold that record for most wins,” said Brown. “In this game, you're really judged by winning. It's been a magical meet for us. We've had so much good fortune and so much support. The most rewarding thing is the chemistry in the morning between all the moving parts; everyone executing their jobs.
“It's typical of the Saratoga meet. You have to work for every win no matter what your odds are. You're prepared, [but] there are a lot of people prepared and every win is really hard. It makes it even more meaningful to win this many races in a meet like this, knowing how difficult it is.”
Brown continued to add to his total Saturday, quickly notching his 42nd win of the meet with Hizeem (City Zip)–via DQ–in an allowance. His 43rd win came in the GIII Saranac S. with Raging Bull (Fr) (Dark Angel {Ire}), who also won the GII National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame S. on Aug. 3.
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