For Immediate Release
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
TORNADO SURVIVOR STORMTOREMEMBER ROLLS TO FIRST WIN
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Moore, Okla. tornado of May 20, 2013 devastated thousands of lives in and around the central Oklahoma suburb of Oklahoma City. Horses, and the farms where they resided in the area, were not spared from the destruction. Wednesday night at Remington Park, a fortunate equine survivor from that disaster put on quite a performance in adding to his tale.
Stormtoremember made his first start of the year and second of his career, both happening after the tornado. The 4-year-old Oklahoma-bred gelding tracked the early pacesetter Heza Smokey for the first half of the seven-furlong maiden race for state-breds. Entering the lone turn of the race, Stormtoremember was moved to the front by jockey Cliff Berry. Once on the lead in the field of 10, the gelding impressed as he crossed the finish line six lengths ahead Lion Of Lone Oak, with plenty in reserve.
Owned by Reza Aryan of Norman, Okla., Stormtoremember is trained by Kenny Nolen. He recalled the young winner’s situation on the day of the tornado.
“He was at Celestial Acres training center outside of Moore, one of the first areas where the tornado hit. Luckily, he was in a barn that had roof damage but structurally was still standing. There was nothing left of the other barns there where many horses were lost.”
Stormtoremember was bred by M. B. Aryan of Norman, and the family raised him before putting him into training. “I always thought he was a pretty good colt,” Nolen said. “He was special tonight and this is a really nice win. He’s a good story for what he’s been through.”
Stormtoremember crossed the finish in 1:23.12 over a fast main track. At 6-1 in the wagering, he paid $15.60 to win, $6 to place and $4.20 to show. Lion Of Lone Oak was the beaten 3-2 wagering favorite, paying $3.60 to place and $2.60 to show. Charlie’s Deere was third, three-quarters of a length behind the runner-up, paying $4.20 to show.
A son of Actor from the Dance Brightly mare Beata, Stormtoremember earned $20,395 for his maiden triumph.
Remington Park’s Thoroughbred Season continues with racing on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night, beginning at 7pm. A special holiday program on Labor Day Monday, Sept. 1 will begin at 1:30pm. All times are central.
Remington Park is open daily at 10:30am for simulcast racing and casino gaming, featuring the Bricktown Brewery on the casino floor. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park, the home of the Grade 3, $400,000 Oklahoma Derby on Sunday, Sept. 28.
Tracked by over 66,000 fans on Facebook and 5,500 Twitter followers, Remington Park is Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino and is located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit remingtonpark.com.
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Photo Credit: Dustin Orona Photography
For more information, please contact:
Dale Day
405-425-3215
dale.day@remingtonpark.com
