Mendys Honey delivered a determined performance to capture her first career stakes victory in the $75,000 Original Gold Stakes for West Virginia-bred fillies and mares, three and up, on April 18 at Charles Town Races.

Ridden by Arnaldo Bocachica and trained by Anthony Farrior, Mendys Honey sat perfectly placed just a couple of lengths off a grueling early duel between defending champion Lightnin Runner and Maggie’s Girl, who carved out swift fractions of 23.42 and 47.87. While those two battled through the opening stages, Mendys Honey stalked the pace three wide and conserved her energy.

Entering the stretch, Mendys Honey launched a strong move, rallied four wide, and drew clear late to win by 2 3/4 lengths in 1:28.83 for seven furlongs over a fast track. The 4-year-old Mendelssohn filly was bred in West Virginia by James F. Miller and races for Ultra Championship Racing LLC.

The victory improved Mendys Honey’s stellar record to 8 starts with 6 wins, 1 second, and 1 third, pushing her earnings to $185,232.

Longshot Somesugarnspice (55-1) rallied from far back to claim second, with Still Grumpy closing from last to finish third. Lightnin Runner, who led into the stretch after dueling inside, faded to fourth late.

With this breakthrough stakes win, Mendys Honey has established herself as a rising star among the state’s older distaff division.