Valiantinecandyrocks solid in Woodard Memorial Classic

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Sept. 4, 2021) – It was another stellar performance by Valiantinecandyrocks, who was untouchable in the 13th running of the $84,200 Bob Woodard Memorial Classic during the fifth all-Quarter Horse day Saturday, Sept. 4 at Indiana Grand.

Valiantinecandyrocks was out of the gates in a flash, getting the early lead in the 400-yard dash. The five-year-old black mare by Valiant Hero led comfortably down the lane, stretching out to a three-quarter length win at the wire under wraps with jockey Sammy Mendez. Beach Mercedes and German Rodriguez gave trainer Randy Smith a daily double in the race followed by Jess A Flyin Beach and L.D. Martinez, who recovered from a stumble out of the gate to finish an impressive third. The time of the dash was :19.929.

Owned by breeders Lance and Tammy Finlinson of Greenwood, Ind., Valiantinecandyrocks earned her third win in four starts for 2021. She is nine for 18 lifetime and has been a favorite from the Finlinson’s breeding and racing operation since she was born at their farm. They were trackside to accept the trophy and awards for their prized mare.

“That was some great racing, and this mare has gotten so good this year,” said Finlinson. “She breaks, leads and takes off. Randy and Debbie (Smith) and their team have done such a good job with her along with Sammy (Mendez). They are superstars. There is one more stakes coming up at the very end of the meet that hopefully she will be in. This rest is well deserved and will be good for her.”

Valiantinecandyrocks is out of the Finlinson’s great brood mare, Jesses Candy, who continues to produce stakes winners. She now has more than $214,000 in career earnings.

One more all Quarter Horse racing day is set for Saturday, Oct. 9 featuring a day dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness Month during Pink Out. The program begins at 10 a.m. and will feature a chocolate and wine tasting station, massage chairs, pink martinis, spa package giveaways, and t-shirt sales with all proceeds going to Indiana Women in Need (I.W.I.N.), a local cancer organization. Four trials for Indiana Champions Day, included the Miss Roxie Little Futurity, Sterlie Bertram Memorial, QHRAI Derby and Governor’s Stakes will also be held along with the $75,000 Hoosier Park Classic.

Photos by Coady Photography