Ellis Park: Roxinho gets first U.S. win

Roxinho, a Brazilian champion last year, closed out the 41-day Ellis Park meet Monday by recording his first U.S. victory in the $75,000 Tri-State Handicap at the Henderson, Ky., track.

Roxinho, owned by Earle Mack and Dr. Greg Fox and trained by Jamie Knight, finished 1 1/4 lengths ahead of Red Mountain in a field of eight older turf horses.

Ridden by Lonnie Meche, he returned $27.20 to win after completing 1 1/8 miles in 1:45.39 over a firm turf.

Roxinho won the Brazilian Triple Crown last year but had struggled since being imported, losing four straight times before the Tri-State.