Sunbird edges Legacy Square in Ascot Graduation

VANCOUVER, British Columbia - Sunbird was game in defeating heavily favored Legacy Square in the $50,000 Ascot Graduation on the final day of racing at the 2022 Hastings meet.

Sunbird paid $13.10 for his narrow victory in the 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-olds.

With leading rider Amadeo Perez aboard, Sunbird broke a half-step slow from the rail and was hustled to the lead entering the first of three turns. He was under pressure from Bak to Liberty through a half-mile in 48.04 seconds. Legacy Square went by him on the stretch turn, but he battled back and, following a stretch-long duel, took control late to win by a neck.

Legacy Square broke on top, was eased into a stalking position and made what looked like a winning move while going three-wide on the stretch turn, but hung late. He finished 4 3/4 lengths in front of Logical Al, who rallied from mid-pack for third.

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The final time was 1:45.13.

A Kentucky-bred son of Orb, Sunbird is trained by Terry Jordan. He races for 91-year-old Nick and Pauline Felicella. Pauline is 86.

"He is a really nice horse, and it was a big win for the owners because it will be the last horse they will own," Jordan said. "They are very happy right now."

In the co-featured $50,000 Fantasy, Neighneigh paid $5.70 for her two-length front-running victory over Matsqui in the 1 1/16-mile race for 2-year-old fillies.

With Silvino Morales up, Neighneigh broke alertly and held a one-length advantage over Above Average when she posted a half-mile time of 47.25 seconds. She took control heading into the stretch turn and easily held off Matsqui, who rallied late after being last at the six-furlong mark. Air Force came from well back to finish third.

The final time was 1:46.76.

The Kentucky-bred daughter of Cross Track is trained by Rob Maybin, who was emotional talking about the late Glen Todd in the winner's enclosure following the race. Todd bought Neighneigh out of the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Maybin and his wife Sheena purchased her out of the CTHS Horses of Racing Age Sale at Hastings for $11,000 in April. Todd also bred Sunbird, who was sold at the Fasig Tipton Glen Todd Dispersal Sale at the Pegasus Training Center on May 3.

"I would like to thank Glen Todd and The Hole in the Wall Gang for all the great horses they have brought here," he said.

Maybin ended up being the leading owner at the meet.

Amadeo Perez was the leading jockey for the third time.

Edgar Mendoza captured his first training title.

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