Horse who survived tornado wins first career race

Stormtoremember, who survived the 2013 tornado that devastated Moore, Okla., was a six-length maiden special weight winner Wednesday night at Remington Park. He was making the second start of his career, which was launched last December.

Stormtoremember, a 4-year-old bred in Oklahoma, was stabled at the Celestial Training Center near Moore when the storm struck in May of last year. The facilities that housed a number of Thoroughbreds and Quarter Horses sustained significant damage during the tornado.

“He was at Celestial Acres training center outside of Moore, one of the first areas where the tornado hit,” said Kenny Nolen, who trains Stormtoremember. “Luckily, he was in a barn that had roof damage, but structurally was still standing. There was nothing left of the other barns there where many horses were lost.”

Stormtoremember races for Reza Aryan of Norman, Okla. Cliff Berry was aboard Stormtoremember ($15.60) for his win over fellow Oklahoma-breds in the seven-furlong race Wednesday.

“I always thought he was a pretty good colt,” Nolen said. “He was special tonight and this is a really nice win. He’s a good story for what he’s been through.”