Northfield: Southwind Amazon equals modern era record for career wins

"Step aside Niffit!" exclaimed track announcer Kenny Livengood as Southwind Amazon tied the all-age modern era record for wins on Tuesday (Oct. 29) at MGM Northfield Park.

Southwind Amazon (Justin Irvine), a 14-year-old gelded son of Camluck, began his racing career in 2012, and after a slow start to his career, it was at age five that the gelding started to blossom.

Purchased for $30,000 in February 2016, and given to trainer Paul Holzman, he quickly turned heads with a spine-tingling 1:49 2/5 performance just five starts into his tenure with his new connections.

Throughout much of 2024, Southwind Amazon has been chasing Niffit's record and on Tuesday, piloted by young Justin Irvine, the gelding got the job done in 1:54 4/5.

I'm A Skoldier (Chris Lems) got the jump on Southwind Amazon into the initial turn, but Irvine pushed the son of Camluck to the lead entering the backstretch, looking to control the pace while arriving at the quarter in a swift 26 4/5.

Irvine backed the pace down in the second quarter and hit the half in 56 1/5, but as they entered the backstretch White Hair Rocks (Keith Kash Jr.) tipped to the outside. That towed along Honali (Hunter Myers), as the pair tried to start a bid on Southwind Amazon, who continued to cruise on the front-end past three-quarters in 1:25.

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Turning for home Irvine implored Southwind Amazon for more, and he cruised to an impressive record-tying victory, winning by 2 1/4 lengths.

"We have been waiting for so long for this moment, I can't explain how happy we all are for Southwind Amazon," said an emotional Holzman. "I can't put my emotions into words, all day I felt it could be the day."

22-year-old Justin Irvine has had a lot of firsts this year, including driving in his first Grand Circuit event, but he said that helping the connections earn this achievement is one of the top moments of this year.

"I'm thrilled for these guys. I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to drive such a nice horse," said Irvine.

Southwind Amazon is owned by Ameer Najor of West Bloomfield, Michigan, and the victory pushed his career earnings to $1,496,374.

"Going to the track with my dad when I was young, I never thought I would have a horse like this. I'm so thankful," said Holzman.

--press release (Northfield)--