Mary Eppler Saddles 800th Winner
Mary Eppler Saddles 800th Winner
Baltimore-Washington International (G2), Commonwealth Derby (G3) & Oaks (G3) Saturday
Graded Races Part of Eight Turf Stakes, Post Time 12:30 P.M.
LAUREL, MD - Trainer Mary Eppler, who became the first woman to win a training title at Laurel Park last year, saddled her 800th career winner when Our Independence won Friday’s eighth race.
Claimed for $20,000 by Eppler Aug., 26 at Monmouth Park, Our Independence won at first asking for Eppler, winning a $45,000 optional claiming event on the turf. It was the 5-year-old’s third consecutive victory.
“It was wonderful,” said Eppler of the win.
Asked why she claimed Our Independence, Eppler said: “Just the way he was running. He looked good. I watched him race before he won against Billy the Bull [July 14]. I claimed Billy that day but I couldn’t claim [Our Independence] so I had to wait until he raced at Monmouth.”
Eppler has been in Thoroughbred racing since 1979, when she left her job at Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Baltimore-Washington International (G2), Commonwealth Derby (G3) & Oaks (G3) Saturday
Saturday’s 12-race program features eight turf stakes including the $200,000 Baltimore-Washington International Turf Cup (G2), $200,000 Commonwealth Derby (G3) and $150,000 Commonwealth Oaks (G3). First race post time is 12:30 p.m.
Laurel will have a Rainbow 6 carryover of $2,774.99.
