A horse co-owned by former NFL star Russell Wilson, Club Reign, is set to run for a massive $500,000 purse in one of Belmont Park’s biggest races this Saturday, October 3rd. Representing Wilson’s Three Brand Racing, Club Reign already showed out with an impressive debut win on Travers Day at Saratoga in August. Now, it’s stepping onto the Grade 1 stage for the 81st running of the Champagne Stakes, a race our own Triple Crown legend Seattle Slew famously won in 1976. That’s some serious history for a 2-year-old colt to chase.
Club Reign Is Back, And Russell Wilson Is All In For Belmont’s $500K
Club Reign isn’t just any horse running this weekend; it’s the very first starter co-owned by former NFL star Russell Wilson’s Three Brand Racing. This 2-year-old colt already impressed everyone on Travers Day at Saratoga in August, easily breaking his maiden in his career debut. Wilson and his wife, music star Ciara, were right there in the winner’s circle, celebrating every second. With trainer Whit Beckman and jockey Edgard Zayas at the helm, Club Reign is set for the 1-mile dirt track at Belmont Park this Saturday, October 3rd, at 3:53 p.m. ET. With morning-line odds of 8-1, this Grade 1 event isn’t just for a $500,000 purse, it’s a top prep for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. Talk about high stakes.
A Somber Tribute: Two Horses Honor a Fallen NHL Star
While all eyes might be on Club Reign, there’s another storyline that’s absolutely gut-wrenching and demands attention. Two of the six horses in the Champagne Stakes field are named in honor of Johnny Gaudreau, the NHL star who tragically died alongside his brother, Matthew, in August 2024. They were both struck by an allegedly drunk driver while biking in New Jersey. It’s a devastating loss. One of these horses, simply named Gaudreau, has already shown serious talent, winning its first career start on August 8th at Saratoga. That win came against a strong field, too, with multiple horses from that race going on to impressive wins since. Trainer Chad Brown and jockey Flavien Pratt will guide Gaudreau (8-5 odds), while Johnny Hockey, with Antonio Arriaga training and Katie Davis riding, comes in at 30-1. It’s tough to root against these two, knowing the story behind their names.
Belmont Park’s Big Day: What You Need To Know For The Champagne Stakes
The Champagne Stakes has been a cornerstone event at Belmont Park since 1946, serving as the track’s premier fall race for 2-year-olds. It’s a Grade 1 event with that massive $500,000 purse, and historically, it’s a crucial steppingstone for juvenile horses heading to the Breeders’ Cup and even eyeing the Triple Crown season the following year. Think about it: our very own Seattle Slew, a Triple Crown legend, won this race in 1976. Other incredible past winners include Alydar in 1977 and Spectacular Bid in 1978.
Besides Club Reign and the two Gaudreau horses, there are a few other contenders you need to keep an eye on. U. S. S. Valor, trained by Shug McGaughey and ridden by Manny Franco, is the morning-line favorite at 3-5. Raku, with Kelly Breen training and Paco Lopez riding, sits at 12-1, and Earth Song, trained by Jorge Delgado and ridden by Ricardo Santana Jr., is at 15-1. It’s going to be a packed, exciting race on FS1, with coverage starting at noon ET and post time for the Champagne at 3:53 p.m. ET.
This Saturday isn’t just another weekend at the track; it’s a shot at glory, a powerful tribute, and a glimpse into the future of horse racing, all wrapped up in a $500,000 package. Can Club Reign, with the backing of former NFL star Russell Wilson, follow in the hoofprints of our own Seattle Slew and become the next big name? You’ll want to find out. The Champagne Stakes will be live on FS1, with coverage starting at noon ET, and the horses hitting the track at 3:53 p.m. ET. Don’t miss what promises to be an unforgettable race.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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