Demonstrative prevails in tragic renewal of New York Turf Writers Cup

Demonstrative prevails in tragic renewal of New York Turf
Writers Cup

Demonstrative led at the final hurdle, moments before Makari (green and white cap) suffered a fatal injury (Adam Coglianese Photography) A thrilling stretch duel was shaping up in Monday’s Grade 1, $150,000 New York Turf Writers Cup at Saratoga, as 2-1 favorite Demonstrative cut the corner exiting the final turn to take the lead, with A.P. Smithwick Memorial winner Makari in close pursuit and aiming to make a bid inside of Demonstrative. However, tragedy struck at the final fence as Makari fell on landing and suffered a fatal neck break. The seven-year-old gelding, who made a winning U.S. debut in the July 31 Smithwick, was trained by Elizabeth Voss Murray, the daughter of the late trainer Tom Voss, in whose memory the Turf Writers Cup was run. Clearing the final hurdle without incident, Demonstrative was kept under a drive to the wire by Robert Walsh and prevailed by a half-length over a late-charging Barnstorming in a time of 4:34 3/5 over the firm turf. He returned $6.60 to win.

“I’m incredibly proud of my horse and my crew, but it’s bittersweet,” said
Richard Valentine, who trains Demonstrative for Mrs. George Ohrstrom Jr.

Barnstorming finished 1 3/4 lengths ahead of his entrymate Italian Wedding,
the 2013 New York Turf Writers Cup winner. He was followed by All Together,
Pleasant Woodman and For Non Stop. Following the ill-fated Makari in the order
of finish were Charminster and Staying On, who both left the course before the
10th and final hurdle.

This was the second victory in the New York Turf Writers Cup for
Demonstrative, who also took the event in 2012. His other major wins came in the
2012 Colonial Cup at Camden, South Carolina, and the 2013 Iroquois at Nashville,
Tennessee. Demonstrative also won three stakes for novices from 2010-12.

Also seven-times stakes-placed, Demonstrative had preceded this victory with
a sixth in his title defense of the Iroquois on May 10 and a nose second to
Makari in the Smithwick Memorial. His record now stands at 36-10-8-5, $585,074.

Bred in Kentucky by Gainsborough Farm, Demonstrative is a seven-year-old
gelded son of Elusive Quality and the Group 3-winning Loving Pride, a daughter
of Quiet American. Loving Pride is herself a half-sister to Grade 3 winner Hula
Queen.

Further back, this female family yielded English champion miler Zilzal and
Canadian champion filly Negligee.

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