Photo by Jim McCue/Maryland Jockey Club

“It was just a matter of time.” Dave Rodman hit the nail on the head at Laurel this afternoon as YOUR LORDSHIP (GB) bounded down the stretch to earn his first career win in a 9-furlong maiden special weight on the turf under Jorge Ruiz.

It’s been a patience game with the 4-year-old son of Lope De Vega (IRE). Still lightly raced, he made two starts at 2 in England followed by two more at 3 before coming to the U.S. His American debut was last July 4 at Saratoga, followed by two attempts at Colonial Downs on July 31 and September 11 before being gelded and given a break over the winter. He clearly benefitted from the freshening, turning in a keen, professional effort to win today.

Out of the Frankel mare Waldfabel (GB), Your Lordship was bred by Newsells Park Stud and is owned by the Honorable Earle I. Mack. If those distinctive maroon and gold sunburst silks looked familiar – they should. Fan favorite and off-track Thoroughbred ambassador Icabad Crane wore them throughout his stakes-winning career. Congratulations on today’s win!