Teagues Fight takes third of a kind

CALGARY, Alberta - Teagues Fight became the first three-time winner here in Sales Stakes competition with his victory over four rivals in the $50,000 Sales Stakes for 4-year-olds and up at Stampede Park last Saturday. Stephan Heiler hand-rode Teagues Fight down the lane for a 3 1/2-length score as the 1-2 favorite.

Teagues Fight, a 4-year-old gelding, had captured the juvenile and 3-year-old versions of the Sales.

Also Saturday, Certainly Regal avenged her narrow loss in the 2006 Sales Stakes for fillies and mares with a neck victory over Pretty Beaucat.

Later in the day, Teagues Fight was in contention for two awards at the annual awards banquet honoring the 2006 champions, but came away empty-handed. But some of his connections - owners Rocky Mountain Turf Club Stable and trainer Doug MacDonald - did take some hardware.

Their 3-year-old filly She's Italian was a unanimous selection for champion 3-year-old filly, and edged out Sparhawk and Teagues Fight for top Alberta-bred.

The late Halo Steven, trained in Vancouver by Terry Jordan, was voted champion 3-year-old male. Jordan was on hand to accept the champion older male and horse of the year awards for Sovereign winner True Metropolitan.

Freetoleave was named top 2-year-old male, and Dawn of Fame was top 2-year-old filly. Braetta took the older female title, Viscount Victor G was named best claimer, and Smudgeledo edged out Sparhawk as champion sprinter.