Emotional win for Sanner

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A 27-1 victory by Fascilitator in the seventh race Friday at Churchill was the first for trainer Dan Sanner since his wife, Debbie, died suddenly on Sept. 10 at age 53.

“It was an emotional day,” said Sanner, a trainer since 1993. “Of course I was thinking of her, but she wouldn’t want me to sit here and wallow in self-pity. I’m trying to be upbeat and move forward, although it’s been very hard.”

Fascilitator held off Griff in a fierce duel to prevail by a head in a starter-optional sprint from which the 4-year-old gelding was claimed for $20,000. It was the first win for Sanner since Aug. 1.

“It was a dogfight to the end, so it was pretty sweet to come out on top,” he said.