Owners Appreciation Day Highlighted by Stormy Lord Repeat in President’s Cup
The PTHA’s Owners Appreciation Day was marked by perfect Indian summer weather, a crowd of nearly 500 enthusiastic owners in attendance at the annual luncheon, and 12-race card of increased purses headed by Stormy Lord’s repeat victory in the $250,000 PTHA Presidents Cup Handicap.
PTHA Vice-President Steve Appel presented the trophy to members of the Willmot Stable and Kinghaven Farm on behalf of President Salvatore DeBunda. The win was the first in 2012 for Stormy Lord, a 5-year-old gelding by Stormy Atlantic, who is owned by David Willmot and trained by Ian Black. Ridden Saturday by James McAleney, Stormy Lord increased his earnings to $1,153,686.
Highlights of the day included free cooler bags and t-shirts to all luncheon attendees along with the complimentary buffet, and carry on bags emblazoned with the PTHA logo and filled with gifts to the owners and trainers of winning horses.