Sibcy Cline

Despite stumbling at the start, Kristina Tumblin’s stakes-winning filly Eyes Forward represented the Quarter Horse breed very well at River Downs on Sunday in the “Battle of the Breeds.”  The smallish black filly was quickly righted by Ramone Rechy after the gate mishap and sped past Thoroughbred Derby Day Storm to hold off a late charge by 2 lengths.  The Andrew Tumblin trainee hit the wire after 400 yards in 20.716 seconds – only 1/5th of a second off the track record.

In the spirit of good will and a race well run, both competitors had their photo taken together in the winner’s circle.  “If we went 440 yards I think we might have caught her,” said Bryan Metz who trains Derby Day Storm for his wife Deborah.  “I don’t think we could catch her going 400.”

In a late rider change, Ramone Rechy, who has plenty of Quarter Horse riding experience, replaced Andre Sanchez III aboard the winner. Gabriel Lagunes was aboard Derby Day Storm and both riders were given gift certificates to A.J.’s Roadhouse for their good-natured competition in the exhibition event.