What Happened
Two thoroughbred racehorses named in tribute to the late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau are entered in the same race at Belmont Park on Saturday. The horses, Johnny Hockey and Gaudreau, are part of a six-horse field in the Grade 1 Champagne for two-year-olds. Vincent Conanan of Next Level Stables and Devon Bradley of Bradley Thoroughbreds each chose their horse's name independently, according to Sportsnet.
Key Details
- Race: Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont Park, Saturday.
- Field size: six two-year-olds.
- Horse names: Johnny Hockey and Gaudreau.
- Owners: Vincent Conanan (Next Level Stables) and Devon Bradley (Bradley Thoroughbreds).
- Winner qualifies for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.
- Gaudreau spent his final two NHL seasons with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
What It Means
The Grade 1 Champagne is a notable two-year-old stakes race, and its winner earns a spot in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, a race that can point toward future Kentucky Derby contenders. For the two owners, the entries carry a personal connection to Gaudreau, who was known as Johnny Hockey during his NHL career.
What's Next
The Champagne is scheduled for Saturday at Belmont Park. The winner will qualify for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile.