Salamis triumphed in the Grade 1 Hollywood Derby on Saturday afternoon, marking a high point in the penultimate day of Del Mar’s fall racing season. The victory added another prestigious win for visiting trainer Chad Brown, one of the nation’s most accomplished turf specialists.
Under confident handling from jockey Flavien Prat, Salamis surged ahead in the stretch to secure the victory over a competitive field of three-year-olds. The colt demonstrated both tactical speed and stamina, tracking the pace before unleashing a strong late kick.
The race was contested over a mile and one-eighth on turf, with temperatures mild and track conditions labeled firm — ideal for front-runners and closers alike. The final time underscored the colt’s class in one of the closing highlights of the California circuit.
Trainer Chad Brown expressed satisfaction with the horse’s consistency through the season, saying:
“He’s really matured over the past few months, and this performance shows how much he’s developed.”
Owners echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that patience and careful conditioning contributed to the result.
The Hollywood Derby has long been a proving ground for elite turf runners, often serving as the final major stop of the year for three-year-olds transitioning into older company. Brown’s success at Del Mar extends his impressive record in graded stakes, following earlier wins with other turf specialists during the meet.
As Del Mar’s fall session approached its finale, Salamis’s victory provided a strong closing note and reinforced the national prominence of Brown’s stable heading into winter campaigns.
Salamis delivered a commanding performance in the Hollywood Derby, securing Chad Brown’s continued dominance in top-level turf racing as Del Mar’s fall meet neared its end.