From a Maryland State Fair release
Jockey JD Acosta all but wrapped up the riding title at the Maryland State Fair with a day of racing still to go when he rode four winners today, the second time he has completed that feat during the Timonium meeting.
Acosta will not be riding at Timonium on Monday. He has mounts in three stakes at Parx Racing but holds an overwhelming lead, sixteen to nine, over Travis Dunkelberger for top riding honors at the fair.
Today the 31-year old native of the Dominican Republic rode two winners for trainer Mike Pino and two for trainer Hugh McMahon. Back Room Deal ($4.20) won the second race and first time starter Miss Edmond ($5.40) won the fourth race, both for Pino. Fearsome ($7.40) led gate-to-wire in race six and April’s Dixie Bell ($29) surprised in race eight, both for McMahon.
Trainer McMahon stands a good chance to repeat as leading trainer at the fair, which will be decided tomorrow. He’s in a dogfight with Jamie Ness, who tied with McMahon for training honors last year.
Both will send out four runners on Monday, closing day. First post is 1:05 p.m.
Since a “big guy” will be taking the trainer bonus- wouldn’t it be refreshing for that individual to donate it to Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue for racehorse aftercare?
Sure, I’m in. Then again, I’m all for spending other people’s money 😉