"Charlie Fellowes experiences a turnaround in fortunes as horse Luther is upgraded to Grade 2 following a race at Saratoga"
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, Luther has been awarded the victory. The Hall of Fame jockey, Joel Rosario, riding Luther, lodged an objection against the initial first-past-post, Zulu Kingdom, for interference on the first turn involving both Zulu Kingdom and Tiz Dashing.
The interference occurred early in the race, disrupting the running paths of several horses. Trainer Charlie Fellowes, watching from the UK, expressed understanding of the disappointment from Zulu Kingdom’s connections but was pleased with the decision.
After reviewing the foul claim, the Saratoga Board of Stewards upheld the objection, resulting in Zulu Kingdom being disqualified and dropped to fourth place behind Tiz Dashing. Luther, who had rallied strongly, was elevated to first place and declared the winner of the race.
Zulu Kingdom's rider, Flavien Prat, disagreed with the stewards' decision, claiming that two horses were battling for the same spot. However, the ruling was described as fair given the impact on Luther's race.
Luther's victory marks his second US appearance after finishing third in the Belmont Derby last month. His trainer, Charlie Fellowes, believed that had Luther had a smooth trip, he would have legitimately won the race on his own. As a result, Luther inherited the first prize of £176,000 in the Grade 2 race.
Meanwhile, in a separate race, Shes Perfect, another filly trained by Charlie Fellowes, was demoted to second place in the French 1,000 Guineas. An appeal against the demotion was unsuccessful.
In other racing news, Thurles racecourse in Ireland has closed with immediate effect, causing disappointment among leading politicians and jockeys such as Sir Anthony McCoy and Ruby Walsh.
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[1] Saratoga Stewards DQ Zulu Kingdom, Award Hall of Fame Stakes to Luther
[2] Zulu Kingdom Disqualified in Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga
[1] After the Saratoga Board of Stewards upheld Joel Rosario's objection against Zulu Kingdom for interference during the Hall of Fame Stakes, the prize for the 2025 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame Stakes at Saratoga Race Course was awarded to Luther, the horse he was riding, marking a significant win in the horse-racing sports.
[2] In a surprising turn of events, Zulu Kingdom, initially deemed the first-past-post in the Hall of Fame Stakes, was disqualified for interference and forced to settle for fourth place. This change in ranking benefited Luther, whose strong rally enabled him to claim the prize and make a notable impact in the racing bloodstock scene.
