King Jack gives Ward first Del Mar win

DEL MAR, Calif. – King Jack gave trainer Dan Ward his first winner at Del Mar on Wednesday since he officially took over the stable from trainer Jerry Hollendorfer earlier this week.

Hollendorfer was denied stalls by Del Mar officials earlier this month. Del Mar’s decision followed action by Santa Anita officials on June 22 ordering Hollendorfer to vacate his stalls at that track after a fourth horse in his care was euthanized as a result of an injury in racing or training since late December.

Hollendorfer relocated to Los Alamitos, and was allowed to operate through that track’s three-week summer meeting, which ended on Sunday.

King Jack ($4.80) was Ward’s second starter on Wednesday. Ridden by Mike Smith, King Jack held an early lead and repelled a challenge from 16-1 Candy Cornell in early stretch to win an allowance race with a $40,000 claiming option at seven furlongs.

“I can’t tell you how much it means,” Ward said. “The rider was pretty confident.”

King Jack won his debut at Santa Anita on June 1. Ward said the $100,000 Shared Belief Stakes for 3-year-olds at a mile here Aug. 25 will be considered for King Jack, who races for Michael Stinson.

Ward praised Stinson for keeping his horses with the stable after Del Mar denied stalls to Hollendorfer.

“I’m lucky to have this guy and the people that have stuck with us,” he said. “You will remember that.”

Ward said he has 16 horses at Del Mar and 20 at Los Alamitos.

Hollendorfer filed a lawsuit against Del Mar on Monday seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent the racetrack from denying him stall space or the ability to submit entries. The case was to be heard Thursday.