Beat of The Drum becomes first U.S. winner from China

ARCADIA, Calif. – When Beat of The Drum won an optional claimer on turf at Santa Anita on Friday, the victory was considered a milestone – the first horse from mainland China to win in the United States.

Owned by the China Horse Club, Beat of The Drum ($13.20) won Friday’s race in her fourth start in this country. An Irish-bred 5-year-old mare, Beat of The Drum began her career in England and raced twice in China in 2013 and 2014, where she was a stakes winner. She joined trainer Leonard Powell’s stable in the spring.

“To get a win so soon is a big achievement,” Powell said.

In a statement, Chinese racing officials said Beat of The Drum is recognized as the first horse from China to win in the United States, and they said the hope is that other owners will race in the United States. Horses from Hong Kong have won in the United States, notably Rich Tapestry, who won the Grade 1 Santa Anita Sprint Championship in 2014.

Powell said on Saturday that Beat of The Drum will be considered for a stakes at Del Mar, possibly the $75,000 Kathryn Crosby Stakes at a mile on turf Nov. 7 or the $100,000 Red Carpet Stakes at 1 3/8 miles on turf Nov. 21.

Beat of The Drum has won 3 of 10 career starts.