Jockey McMahon wins title while serving suspension

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Jockey C.J. McMahon has such a commanding lead in the Lone Star Park standings that he will win the track’s riding title Sunday even though he will miss the final three dates of the meet. McMahon entered the final week of racing with a 49-win advantage over his fellow jockeys, more victories than races to be run through the close of the meet Sunday.

McMahon’s absence is due to a three-day suspension for a riding infraction. It starts with Friday night’s races, according to his agent, Bobby Kelly, and will continue through Sunday. McMahon was cited for stretch interference in the fourth race July 10. He was aboard first-time starter Atotonilco, who finished first in the maiden special weight for 2-year-olds but was disqualified and placed third by the stewards at Lone Star.

McMahon had won 93 races from 278 mounts at this meet through Wednesday, for a 33 percent strike rate. He also leads all local jockeys in mount earnings with $960,808. Cliff Berry and David Cabrera were tied for second in the standings with 44 wins through Wednesday.

Kelly said McMahon plans to visit his family in Louisiana and spend a few days in Florida before heading to Remington Park in early August. The meet in Oklahoma City opens Aug. 14.

McMahon is in his first season at Lone Star. He came to the track after being offered an opportunity to ride first call for trainer Karl Broberg. The men had teamed together some this spring at Delta Downs in Vinton, La.

Broberg had an 18-win lead in the trainer standings heading into the final week of the meet at Lone Star. He has won 62 races, with Bret Calhoun second in the standings with 44.

Assault duo to Remington

Texas Bling and Texas Air, who for the second year in a row finished one-two in the Assault Stakes last Saturday night at Lone Star Park, are both headed to Remington. But whether their paths cross in Oklahoma City is to be determined.

Trainer Danele Durham said she is looking for a one-mile race for Texas Bling, while trainer Allen Milligan said the $175,000 Governor’s Cup at 1 1/8 miles Aug. 15 is the target for Texas Air. Earlier in the Lone Star meet, Texas Air won the Grade 3, $200,000 Texas Mile.

“That’s the main reason we’re going, the Governor’s Cup,” said Milligan, who after Lone Star will have divisions of his stable at Remington and Retama Park.

Durham said Texas Bling will be considered for the Governor’s Cup as well as the David M. Vance, a six-furlong race on the undercard. Durham and owner Hall’s Family Trust also will be looking at other options for Texas Bling.

“Optimally, what we would like to do is to run a mile,” she said. “He’s proven over and over again that’s his favorite distance.”

The Assault was run at a mile, a distance over which Texas Bling has earned his best Beyer Speed Figures. He earned a 94 for his win in the race a year ago and an 88 for his half-length score over Texas Air on Saturday. Earlier in his career, Texas Bling won the $300,000 Springboard Mile at Remington.

Dam of Texas Bling dead at 17

Anythingmore, the dam of Texas Bling, died this spring due to foaling complications, said Durham. Anythingmore is also the dam of Everything Bling, who ran second in the $50,000 Valor Farm Stakes last Saturday night at Lone Star. Both horses are by the stallion Too Much Bling. Anythingmore’s last foal was a filly by Too Much Bling.

“[Anythingmore] succumbed to injuries sustained during birth,” Durham said. “The baby was immediately transported to Rood & Riddle, where she received excellent care. She was placed on a nurse mare she just loves.”

Durham said in time, the filly will be brought home to Texas. Everything Bling and Texas Bling also have a full yearling sister. The horses are all owned by Hall’s Family Trust.