Big Changes repeats in John Henry Stakes

Big Changes delivered as the 2-5 favorite Saturday night in the $50,000 John Henry Stakes at Evangeline Downs, darting to a length win over Mageez. It was another nose back in third to In the Navy.

The John Henry was a 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds and up run on firm turf.

Big Changes ($2.80) sat just off the pace set by Itsthebourbontalkin, who took the field into the stretch, with fractional times unavailable due to a timer malfunction. The eventual winner overtook that one and went on to cover the distance in a hand-timed 1:43.93. The turf course was rated firm. Colby Hernandez was aboard Big Changes for trainer Brad Cox.

Following the race there was an inquiry into the start that concerned Sir Genghis, who was declared a non-starter after a gate incident in which he threw his rider, Kerwin Clark. Clark walked away, according to Evangeline announcer Michael Chamberlain, and rode the next race, according to the chart by Equibase.

Chamberlain also announced following the John Henry that the stewards ruled Sir Genghis a non-starter because the horse opened his gate prematurely and was under the hold of an assistant starter after the rest of the gates opened. All wagers tied to Sir Genghis were ordered refunded.

Big Changes was winning the John Henry for the second year in a row, with last year’s victory coming at Louisiana Downs as Evangeline transferred some of its turf stakes to that track due to since-resolved maintenance issues with its course. Big Changes was winning his second straight race on the year, after opening his season with a June allowance win at Indiana Grand.

Big Changes is a Florida-bred son of Midshipman who races for Steve Landers. He earned $30,000 for the win, his sixth from 18 starts. The horse has now earned $275,350.