Libertyrun gives Runhappy his first win as a sire

Eclipse Award champion sprinter Runhappy sired his first winner as Libertyrun rolled to a 6 1/4-length victory Wednesday at Indiana Grand.

Louisiana-bred Libertyrun races as a homebred for James McIngvale, who also campaigned his sire. McIngvale, the Houston furniture magnate and philanthropist known as “Mattress Mack,” has invested mightily to promote Runhappy, who stands at Claiborne Farm. In addition to robust advertising and race sponsorships, the owner is putting up a $100,000 bonus for any 2-year-old by Runhappy who wins an unrestricted maiden race during the 2020 meets at Saratoga and Del Mar, known for their strong juvenile races; at the Belmont Park spring-summer meet; and at Kentucky Downs, where Runhappy is the presenting sponsor of the rich turf meeting.

“That’s the first Runhappy winner, and in Mack’s silks as a matter of fact,” said Kelly Wohlers, who serves as assistant to trainer Laura Wohlers, McIngvale’s sister-in-law. “So we’re very proud of him. Very happy for Mack.”

Libertyrun will likely be pointed to a stakes for Louisiana-bred 2-year-olds, Kelly Wohlers said, though he didn’t rule out Ellis Park’s $100,000 Runhappy Juvenile on Aug. 9.