Keeneland wins are special. Keeneland Opening Day wins are even more so. Getting one today with a homebred for Antony Beck’s Gainesway Stable really pushed it over the top.

HEADING, a 3-year-old colt by Starspangledbanner (AUS) out of Celtic Sea (SAf), by Captain Al (SAf), was making just his second start in the U.S. after debuting here at Gulfstream on January 25. His two starts during his freshman campaign last year both took place in England – first at Kempton Park on September 18 and then at Southwell on October 7. How fitting that he should come home to break his maiden in Lexington in today’s nightcap.

Twelve 3-year-old colts went to post in the flat mile on the turf. Heading had the services of John Velazquez today. He “broke a beat slow, tracked along the inside, shifted out to the six path entering the lane, rallied to gain command at the furlong grounds and drew clear.”

Congratulations to Mr. Beck and the entire Gainesway team!