A high tide raises all boats. The wave that began at Saratoga earlier on Saturday afternoon continued (appropriately) at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club with HEREDIA (GB) unleashing a powerhouse performance in the Yellow Ribbon Handicap-G2.

Owners Wathnan Racing have been exceedingly patient with their 6-year-old daughter of Dark Angel (IRE). She arrived at our Palm Meadows base in Florida in January 2024 after three seasons and five wins in the United Kingdom. She was given the year off before making her U.S. debut on May 4, 2025 in the Beaugay Stakes-G3 at Belmont At The Big A, finishing a close third. She was an even closer third in Saratoga’s listed De La Rose Stakes in July 10. She left no doubt at Del Mar Saturday evening, dominating the field from gate to wire in a 2 1/2 length score.

Heredia was one of SIX winners on the card for jockey Juan Hernandez yesterday!

This was Graham’s first win in the Southern California mainstay inaugurated in 1976 as the Palomar Handicap. Originally run at 7 1/2 furlongs, it was run at a flat mile from 1977 – 1987 before extending to its current distance of 1 1/16 miles in 1988. It was renamed the Yellow Ribbon Handicap in 2012. Graham’s name now joins an illustrious list of trainers who won multiple renewals of the turf contest for older fillies and mares, including Bobby Frankel (eight wins); Charlie Whittingham (five wins); Ron McAnally (four wins) and Julio Canani (three wins).

Heredia was bred in England by St Alban’s Bloodstock LLP. Her dam Nakuti (IRE) by Mastercraftsman (IRE) was trained by Graham for the last three races of her career, earning graded stakes placing with her third in the Dance Smartly Stakes at Woodbine on July 3, 2016.

Congratulations to all of Heredia’s connections on this very exciting win!