SHELBYVILLE, IN—OCTOBER 30, 2021—Head Patron, under champion jockey James Flores, dominated the $146,360 Governors Stakes Saturday at Indiana Grand Racing & Casino by posting a 2-˝ length win.

The 2-year-old son of champion sire Zoomin For Bux got an alert start and widened his lead with every stride. The chestnut gelding stopped the timer in :17.599 seconds, a 101 speed index on a sloppy (sealed) racing surface with a 9 mph tailwind.

Racing for owner-breeders Jon and Brant Barley and trainer Randy Smith, Head Patron entered the 350 yard final off the fastest qualifying time in the October 9th trials.

"We remembered a couple of horses racing by Zoomin for Bux that were pretty impressive," said Jon Barley. "He’s an old timer and I talked to my uncle and we liked what we saw so I said, ‘lets breed a mare to him’ and we did. Mike Gunner back home broke this colt and told us ‘don’t lose faith in him’ and he was right."

Flores has had a long-standing relationship with the Barleys who used to be in partnership with Larry Sharp before his death. Flores noted during the trials what an honor it was to ride this horse from the same farm that has produced so many stakes winners for the partnership.

"I want to thank and congratulate the owners," said Flores. "When you ride a horse of this level and he runs this way, it makes you look like you know what you are doing. He is a very nice horse."

Bred in Missouri, from the Special Leader mare Dash Leader, Head Patron broke his maiden in his career debut at Remington Park last April. He has compiled a (7) 3-1-2 record and the $80,498 winner's purse boosted his earnings total to $100,928.

Runner-up El Rubio Corona picked up $29,272 for owner-trainer Ricardo Martinez. Sergio Ramirez had the riding call aboard the son of multiple stakes sire Coronado Cartel from the Jess Louisiana mare Lucky Call Me. Rolando Ortiz bred the $56,673 earner in Oklahoma.

Third-place finisher Count Down, a daughter of Grade 1 sire Ivory James, earned $14,636 for owner-trainer Anthony Cunningham. Vaughn and Jill Cook bred Count Down in Oklahoma from the Rare Form mare Rare Encore. Rolando Pina had the riding call aboard the $37,369 earner.

Mg To Fancy Macho, All Out, Bp Ck Eagle, Bv Blaze Of Glory, Prize Kiss and Stolin Home completed the field. A Little Louie was scratched.

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The 19th season of Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing is now in progress and continues through Thursday, Nov. 11. Live racing is conducted at 2:25 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, with first post on Thursday set at 3:25 p.m. A special Indiana Champions Day highlighting the state’s top Thoroughbred and Quarter Horses will be held Saturday, Oct. 30, beginning at noon. More information about the 2021 racing season is available at www.IndianaGrand.com.

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About Indiana Grand Racing & Casino
Indiana Grand Racing & Casino, which is owned and operated by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), holds multiple awards for customer service, entertainment, gaming, dining, and diversity. Located in Shelbyville, Ind., Indiana Grand features more than 2,100 of the latest slots and table games in addition to a one-mile dirt racecourse and a seven-eighths mile turf course providing live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing each year. Simulcast and sports wagering is also offered year-round at Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located on the casino floor as well as a Winner's Circle Race Sports Pub located in Clarksville, Ind. For more information, please visit www.IndianaGrand.com.

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