Santa Anita Press Release Photo

QUEEN OF THE MUD (IRE) took her first trip to the West Coast and ended up with black type after a win in the Swingtime Stakes at Santa Anita on October 14.

She had been knocking on the door, finishing second in her last three outings, all in stakes company. She’s been ultra-consistent in all eight of her career starts, hitting the board in seven of those events. The only exception was her 4th place finish – by a nose – in the The Very One Stakes on Black-Eyed Susan Day at Pimlico in May. But it has to be mentioned that all eight of her starts have taken place at different racetracks – she’s well traveled!

With Juan Hernandez aboard at Santa Anita, Queen of the Mud stalked the leaders down the backstretch. Saving ground into the far turn, they pair set to work at the top of the lane, launched their bid on the inside and cleared the field by 1 1/4 lengths at the wire.

Our senior assistant Alice Clapham spoke to Millie Ball in the winner’s circle after the race.

“Graham had been wanting to stretch her out from her last run at Laurel, and this seemed to be a great spot for her. She shipped in last Saturday and she’s done everything right.”

Bred by McCracken Farms, the 4-year-old filly was foaled (on St. Patrick’s Day!) in Ireland. By Kodiac (GB) out of Jawlaat (IRE) by Shamardal, Queen of the Mud runs for the ownership group of Siena Farm LLC, The Elkstone Group LLC, Peter Deutsch, Michael Kisber and Dave Portnoy. Congrats to the partners on this first stakes win!

Queen of the Mud (IRE) Wins Swingtime Stakes