On a night to celebrate the best of West Virginia breeding and racing, 3-year-olds At a Premium and Ryan’s Run stole the show.
Even if they didn’t become the newest WV-bred winners of the CT Oaks and Hilton Memorial, At a Premium and Ryan’s Run earned respect.
West Virginia-breds have made their mark in Charles Town’s biggest races on Classic night, and three more will seek to join that list Friday evening.
On the brink of 5,000 career victories, trainer Jeff Runco has seen 2026 become a year of transition, with horses like Ryan’s Run taking center stage.
In the latest Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred/The Racing Biz Top Midlantic-bred Poll, Big Cuddle is the top 3-year-old and Splendora leads among older.
Ryan’s Run answered any lingering questions about stretching out Saturday night at Charles Town, dominating the Robert G. Leavitt Stakes.
Trainer Jeff Runco will send out morning line favorite Ryan’s Run and third choice Penguin’s Pride in Saturday’s Robert Leavitt Stakes.
In the latest Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred/The Racing Biz Top Midlantic-bred Poll, Splendora and Dazzling Dame tower over their rivals.
On the also-eligible list until several runners scratched. Ryan’s Run made the most of it, drawing away to win the Coin Collector Stakes at Charles Town.