OQHRA

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK, APRIL 30, 2016—Trainer Dee Keener saddled six of the 10 participants in Saturday’s Grade 1, $104,200 American Paint Classic Futurity at Remington Park. Half of his charges came through to comprise the top three finishers, led by PHQ Goodbye Earl, a rousing 1-1/4 length winner.

Owned by the Paint Horse Queens of Coweta, Okla., trained and bred in Oklahoma by Keener, and ridden by Jesus Salazar, PHQ Goodbye Earl actually broke his maiden status in winning the American Paint Classic, presented by the Paint Stallion Breeders Association. The 2-year-old gelding pulled clear midway through the 350-yard race despite beginning to drift in from his outside (No. 9) post position.

I liked it (the outside post), you don’t have to worry about much trouble,” Salazar said of being the outside runner in the field of nine. “But the last time he was in the outside post, he got left. Today he left there running and after the good break, I knew we had a really good shot.

PHQ Goodbye Earl crossed the finish in :17.615 seconds over the fast track. DTL Fast Flyin Texas was second with DTL Batter Up another length behind for third to complete the Dee Keener-trained trifecta finish.

Away at 7-1 odds in the wagering, PHQ Goodbye Earl paid $16.40 to win, $5.40 to place and $3.60 to show. DTL Fast Flyin Tex returned $10.40 to place and $5.40 to show. DTL Batter Up returned $4.80 to show.

The 6-5 wagering favorite was DTL Josie Wales who was the top qualifier in time trials on April 15. He was away poorly with a stumbling beginning and finished a disappointing sixth.

The winner’s check of $39,596 for PHQ Goodbye Earl boosted his four-race career earnings to $46,804. He is a son of Awesome Chrome from the Judys Lineage mare Sayonara.

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The Remington Park racing weekend wraps up with a Sunday program on May 1, beginning at 1:30pm.

Open daily for casino gaming and simulcast racing, Remington Park features the Bricktown Brewery on the casino floor. Admission, general parking and valet parking are always free at Remington Park, home of the historic $414,000 Oklahoma Futurity. The 75th running of the oldest futurity in Quarter Horse racing takes place on Saturday, March 26, 2016.

Tracked by over 94,000 fans on Facebook and 7,000 Twitter followers, Remington Park has provided over $146 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Oklahoma City’s only Racetrack & Casino and is located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. For more information, reservations and group bookings please call 405-424-1000, 866-456-9880 or visit Remington Park.