Haulin Ice returns home to win big in the Downthedustyroad

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Haulin Ice, who will be honored as the 2024 Arkansas-bred of the year later this month at a banquet at Oaklawn Park, returned to her home state Saturday and was a six-length winner of the $150,000 Downthedustyroad Stakes. The race was for fillies and mares bred in Arkansas.

Invading from Gulfstream Park, Haulin Ice ($2.80) broke well and moved up to take the lead through an opening quarter in 22.21 seconds. Haulin Ice proceeded on the front end through a half-mile in 45.73, then increased her advantage to the wire. She covered six furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.26.

Francisco Arrieta was aboard Haulin Ice for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Punchy Girl finished second, while it was another 5 1/2 lengths back in third to Appealing Addie.

Haulin Ice will be honored by the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association on March 28, according to Deana Echols, the organization’s executive secretary. She told Daily Racing Form earlier this week that Haulin Ice has won the Arkansas-bred of the year title on account of the $447,350 she earned last year, which topped all 2024 earnings by registered Arkansas-breds.

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Haulin Ice is a daughter of Coal Front, the same sire as recent Rebel winner Coal Battle. She was bred by Joe and Eugenia Thompson Benight and was raised about 50 miles from Oaklawn at the couple’s farm in Sheridan, Ark.

The Benights raced Haulin Ice through last seasons’s Oaklawn meet, then sold her privately to her current ownership of C2 Racing Stable, Paul Braverman, Miller Racing, and Timothy Pinch.

Haulin Ice earned $85,500 for her win in the Downthedustyroad. Overall, she is 6 for 12 for earnings of $538,850.

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