West Virginia-bred Burnin Ring O Fire, a two-year-old Virginia Certified horse, won his third straight race this past Saturday (October 13th) in a $75,000 stakes at Charles Town. After kicking off his career with a three length win August 10th in a $40,000 maiden special weight race for Virginia-bred, sired and certified horses at Laurel, owner/breeder Ray Pennington’s gelding moved on to Charles Town where he has captured back-to-back stakes by identical one-half length margins.
Burnin Ring O Fire edged Blushing Owen September 22nd in the Henry Mercer Memorial. Photo by Coady Photography.
He first tackled the 4 1/2 furlong, $50,000 Henry Mercer Memorial Stakes September 22nd. After exiting the turn six lengths behind in fifth, Burnin Ring O Fire came on strong in the stretch and defeated Blushing Owen in :52.65. He was sent off at 5-1 in the field of ten and paid $12.80 to win.
Burnin Ring O Fire is shown at Charles Town in the Henry Mercer Memorial. Photo by Coady Photography.
Pennington’s undefeated son of Limehouse faced another field of ten in the October 13th West Virginia Vincent Moscarelli Memorial Breeders’ Classic Stakes which was contested at 6 1/2 furlongs. After settling into second after the start, he passed frontrunning Midday Man before the half and maintained a tight cushion until he crossed in 1:20.05. The winner, no longer a surprise to the betting public, paid $4.60. He is trained by Ollie Figgins III, was ridden by J.D. Acosta in all three victories and is out of the E Dubai mare, Nashi.
Burnin Ring O Fire beat Midday Man in the Vincent Moscarelli Memorial Breeders Classic October 13th. Phoot by Coady Photography.
Burnin Ring O Fire spent his six month residency at Ashland’s Eagle Point Farm. His owner received a $7,500 bonus for the first stakes win and $8,437 for the second. To become Virginia-Certified, horses must spend at least six consecutive months at a registered Virginia farm or training center prior to the end of their 2-year-old year. They are then eligible for a 25 percent purse bonus for a win in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, or Maryland. Owners can double up on incentive programs: a horse can be born in Maryland and qualify as a “Maryland-bred” for example, then start training in Virginia to become “Virginia-Certified.”
Burnin Ring O Fire connections gather kin the winners circle September 22nd at Charles Town. Photo by Coady Photography.
For specific program details and a list of Virginia-Certified farms, visit www.vabred.org.