For Bill Farish, it was three wins rolled into one.
It’s a highly satisfied trilogy that begins when Battle of Normandy rise to a 2 1/4 win streak in the August 6 opening race at Racecourse Saratoga.
Not only did Farish’s Woodford Racing own a 2-year-old pony in partnership with West Point Thoroughbreds, but the first winner was the son of the first-season stallion City of light who stood at the Farish family’s farm at the end of the alley.
And, for the cherry above, the Battle of Normany was bred by Gage Hill Stables and his father, Will Farish, from the mare Joy’s Joy Lovely queen .
Winning coach Shug McGaughey said: “I told Bill Farish it was a big win in many ways for him.
2YO BATTLE OF NORMANDY stormed the opening with @ KendrickCarmou1 board! #Saratoga pic.twitter.com/7MyYKzZDGy
– NYRA (🎪) (@TheNYRA) August 6, 2022
The victory of the McGaughey-trained pony in the 1/16-mile special weight test for 2-year-olds on grass gave City of Light its third win. It is also the first winner of a new male on the field, which can pay a quick dividend within days when The Saratoga Sale, the sale of selected cubs in Saratoga Springs, NY, begins.
“It’s been a bit of a volatile family, so this isn’t much of a surprise. It’s great to get a win for City of Light, especially given the way he’s done it and the impending sale. out,” Farish said. “It’s been a great day for Woodford Racing and West Point. It’s very exciting.”
The Battle of Normandy was raised at Lane’s End, which prompted Bill Farish to team up with West Point and purchase the Battle of Normandy for $500,000 at the 2021 Saratoga Sale.
“We raised him, so we know him pretty well,” Farish said. “He’s always been one of our favorites, so when the sale came, we assembled a group to buy him.”
While City of Light is the winner of Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (G1), McGaughey chose to make his debut on the pitch after working out Normandy on the pitch a few times at Saratoga .
“I like his demeanor and the way he moves on the pitch,” said the Hall of Fame coach. “It’s a good thing about Saratoga that you can ride like him on the pitch. I really don’t know what I’ll have to expect today, but I’m not surprised.”
McGaughey said possible goals for the City of Light colt include a match with expected stakes (G3T) in Saratoga on August 31, a 1/16-mile test on the pitch. for 2 year olds.
Ridden by Kendrick Carmouche, Battle of Normandy ($8.60) was played at 1:45.06 on firm grass.
Battle of Normandy was the first winner for Miss Adorable. She also has a Spinning candy longing colt and a pony in 2022 from War of Wills .
