Hot Rod Charlie
SireOxbow
GrandsireAwesome Again
DamIndian Miss
DamsireIndian Charlie
SexColt
FoaledApril 11, 2018
CountryUnited States
ColorDark bay
BreederEdward A. Cox Jr.
Owner
TrainerDoug O'Neill
Record19: 5–5–4
Earnings$5,676,720 [1]
Major wins
Louisiana Derby (2021)
Pennsylvania Derby (2021)
Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 2 (2022)
Lukas Classic Stakes (2022)
Awards
Secretariat Vox Populi Award (2021)
Last updated on 6 December 2022

Hot Rod Charlie (foaled April 11, 2018) is an American Thoroughbred racehorse who won the 2021 Pennsylvania Derby and Louisiana Derby. He also came second in the 2020 Breeders' Cup Juvenile and 2021 Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, and fourth in the 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic. He was voted the winner of the 2021 Secretariat Vox Populi Award.

Background

Hot Rod Charlie is a dark bay colt bred in Kentucky.[2] Charlie is by Oxbow and out of Indian Miss who is a daughter of Awesome Again. Oxbow is the 2013 Preakness Stakes winner, for whom Charlie is his leading performer to date.[3] His half-brother is Eclipse winner Mitole.[4] Both Hot Rod Charlie and Mitole were bred by the late Edward Cox Jr.[5]

Trained by Doug O'Neill, he was originally purchased in February 2019 by Bob and Sean Feld for $17,000 as part of the breeders dispersal after his death, he was then purchased in October 2019 for $110,000 by Roadrunner Racing (50%), William Strauss (25%) and Boat Racing LLC (25%).[6] [7] Boat Racing LLC partners include five former members of the Brown University football team: Reiley Higgins, Patrick O'Neill, Alex Quoyeser, Eric Armagost, and Dan Giovacchini. They consider the horse their sixth member.[8] Patrick O'Neil is a nephew of trainer Doug O'Neil and, as he was born into a Thoroughbred racing family, he acted as a guide for the other Boat Racing LLC partners as they debuted as horse owners in the sport.[9]

Racing career

2020: Two-year-old season

Hot Rod Charlie started his career with fourth, third, and fifth-place finishes in three maiden special weight races at Del Mar Racetrack. In his second race, he finished behind future Grade I winner Get Her Number.[10]

He finally broke his maiden in a Santa Anita maiden special weight on October 2.[10]

Hot Rod Charlie went straight to the Breeders' Cup Juvenile at Keeneland Racecourse, where he nearly pulled a huge upset after running second at odds of 94-1 behind the winner and eventual 2020 Champion Two-Year-Old Essential Quality.[11]

2021: Three-year-old season

Hot Rod Charlie made his first start as a three-year-old in the Robert B. Lewis Stakes at Santa Anita Park, where he came in third in a blanket finish won by future Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit.[10]

On March 20, Hot Rod Charlie won the 2021 Louisiana Derby over Lecomte Stakes winner Midnight Bourbon and Risen Star Stakes winner Mandaloun.[12] He broke the track record for the 1 3/16 mile course with a time of 1:55:06.[13] He won by over two lengths and took home the winner's share of a $1 million purse. This victory secured him a spot in the 2021 Kentucky Derby field.[12]

In the Kentucky Derby, Hot Rod Charlie ran a big race under jockey Flavien Prat to cross the wire third behind Medina Spirit and Mandaloun, with Essential Quality fourth.[14][15]

Hot Rod Charlie bypassed the 2021 Preakness Stakes, the second leg of Triple Crown,[16] to make his next start in the 2021 Belmont Stakes, the third leg of the Triple Crown.[17] Sent off at odds of 9–2, he set the fastest early fractions in the history of the race before finishing an ultra-game second after a furious stretch battle with Essential Quality. It was another 11 lengths back for Preakness Stakes winner Rombauer in third.[18] In the Belmont he was ridden once again by jockey Flavien Prat, who had ridden Rombauer to victory in the Preakness. When Hot Rod Charlie was entered into the Belmont, Prat honored his prior commitment to ride him rather than to mount Rombauer who also ran the race.[19][20]

On July 17 in the Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park Racetrack in Oceanport, New Jersey, Hot Rod Charlie crossed the finish line first but was disqualified. He was moved to last place for impeding the path of Midnight Bourbon, whose jockey Paco Lopez was dislodged. Subsequently, Mandaloun, who had crossed second in a photo finish, was declared the winner.[21] The 2021 Haskell Stakes was the first major race in the United States where jockeys were unable to use a whip in anything but an emergency situation as per a relatively new New Jersey state law. When asked if this affected the race's outcome and the accident, Charlie's jockey Flavien Prat said ..."Yes, the lack of a crop came into play. I was trying to correct him as much as I could. If I could have hit him just one time left-handed, we would have been just fine, but it is what it is..."[22]

On September 25, in the Pennsylvania Derby, at Parx Racing, in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, Hot Rod Charlie crossed the finish line first, winning the $1 million Grade I race by 2+1⁄4 lengths in front of Midnight Bourbon. His time for this 1+1⁄8 mile race for 3-year-olds was 1:48.63. Again, his race was overshadowed by another inquiry and a rider's claim of foul and these again for the same horse, Midnight Bourbon as his last race, the Haskell Stakes. These went also went to the stewards to resolve. This time, however, the stewards did not see enough conclusive proof that would warrant disqualification, so the result stood, and the race order stayed in Charlie's favor. Hot Rod Charlie's trainer, Doug O'Neill, saw no foul, but Midnight Bourbon's trainer, Steve Ausmussen, clearly did not share his view, saying,""Flavien Prat almost drops Midnight Bourbon for the second time. My horse ran well. He survived." Charlie's next step would be the November 6, 2021, Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), where he ran fourth.[23][24]

In December 2021 Hot Rod Charlie was named the winner of that year's Secretariat Vox Populi Award (created by Secretariat's owner Penny Chenery), which "recognizes the horse whose popularity and racing excellence best resounded with the American public and gained recognition for Thoroughbred racing"[25]

On 26 December 2021 Hot Rod Charlie raced in the Grade II San Antonio Stakes and started as the 1/5 odds-on favorite. He was well placed in the early going, off the rail or outside a rival, bid alongside the leader on the far turn, battled down the stretch while brushing with Eight Ring, taking a short lead in the straight and was caught at the finishing line.[26]

2022: Four-year-old season

The connections of Hot Rod Charlie entered the horse for the Dubai World Cup. On 17 January the horse departed the U.S. to prepare for the event having his last workout at Santa Anita Park going five furlongs in 1:011⁄5.[27] Hot Rod Charlie won the Group 2 Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 2 on February 4 as a final prep for the World Cup.[28][29] Hot Rod Charlie went to the lead early in the event and cleared out with a 1+1⁄2 furlongs to go and easily won by 5+1⁄4.[30]

Hot Rod Charlie as expected started in the Dubai World Cup, held on March 26 at Meydan in the United Arab Emirates. Country Grammer crossed the wire 1+3⁄4 lengths in front of Hot Rod Charlie, who grabbed second for a United States exacta, while favorite Life Is Good finished in fourth place. Under an early drive down the backstretch, dropping back, but found another gear late with a charge along the inside. "We wanted to win but we're super proud of his effort," trainer Doug O'Neill said. Hot Rod Charlie earned US$2,000,000 for his second-place finish in one of the richest races in the world.[31]

After a break of nearly three months, Hot Rod Charlie returned in the Grade III Salvator Mile at Monmouth Park. In a five horse field Hot Rod Charlie was made the 1/5 odds-on favorite but was upset by 2/1 Mind Control after hitting the front in the stretch run, beaten by a head. The final time was 1:35.79 on a fast track.[32]

On August 6, Hot Rod Charlie was entered in the Grade I Whitney Stakes at Saratoga Race Course. A small field of five started, including Life Is Good and Happy Saver. Hot Rod Charlie, the third choice at 4/1, started well and tracked inside around the first turn, settled in second position while along the rail on the backstretch, save round early on the far turn.[33] Hot Rod Charlie was 3+1⁄2 lengths behind leader Life Is Good and was still two lengths behind after six furlongs in a quick 1:10.93. Happy Saver and Hot Rod Charlie took runs at Life Is Good in the early stretch but could not pass him with Hot Rod Charlie finishing third in a time 1:48.97.[34]

On October 1, Hot Rod Charlie faced five other horses including Art Collector, Happy Saver and 2022 Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike in the Grade II Lukas Classic Stakes. Starting as the 6/5 favorite Hot Rod Charlie settled on the outside of leader Art Collector. As the horses rounded the turn into the stretch Hot Rod Charlie took command but Rich Strike came four wide and took the lead at the sixteenth pole. However, with Tyler Gaffalione in the reins Hot Rod Charlie battled back gamely to win by a head in a time of 1:49.77.[35] Gaffalione said after the race, "Doug (trainer O'Neill) and his team really had him ready to run today. We broke well and he doesn't really have to be asked to get into a good spot. He really never gave up on me. (Rich Strike) ran a huge effort and my horse just kept on fighting the entire way. He really didn't want to get beat."[35]

Hot Rod Charlie finished sixth to Flightline in the 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland.[36] He was subsequently retired to stud in Japan.[37]

Racing statistics

Date Race Racecourse Grade /
Group		 Distance Finish Margin Time Odds Weight Jockey Ref
2020 – Two-year-old season
Jul 11, 2020 Maiden Del Mar 5 furlongs 4 (2+1⁄2 lengths) 59.00 1.20* 121 lbs Abel Cedillo [38]
Aug 14, 2020 Maiden Del Mar 5 furlongs 3 (3+3⁄4 lengths) 57.50 2.20* 120 lbs Abel Cedillo [39]
Sep 7, 2020 Maiden Del Mar 1 mile 5 (3+1⁄4 lengths) 1:38.47 2.20* 120 lbs Flavien Prat [40]
Oct 2, 2020 Maiden Santa Anita 1 mile 1 neck 1:38.00 3.00 122 lbs Abel Cedillo [41]
Nov 6, 2020 Breeders' Cup Juvenile Keeneland I 1+1⁄16 miles 2 (3⁄4 length) 1:42.09 94.40 122 lbs Tyler Gaffalione [42]
2021 – Three-year-old season
Jan 30, 2021 Robert B. Lewis Stakes Santa Anita III 1+1⁄16 miles 3 (+1⁄4 length) 1:46.26 2.50 120 lbs Joel Rosario [43]
Mar 20, 2021 Louisiana Derby Fair Grounds II 1+3⁄16 miles 1 2 lengths 1:55.06[lower-alpha 1] 2.90 122 lbs Joel Rosario [44]
May 1, 2021 Kentucky Derby Churchill Downs I 1+1⁄4 miles 2 (1+1⁄4 lengths) 2:01.02 5.60 126 lbs Flavien Prat [45]
Jun 5, 2021 Belmont Stakes Belmont Park I 1+1⁄2 miles 2 (1+1⁄4 lengths) 2:27.11 4.80 126 lbs Flavien Prat

[46]

Jul 17, 2021 Haskell Stakes Monmouth Park I 1+1⁄8 miles 7[lower-alpha 2] nose 1:47.38 0.80* 119 lbs Flavien Prat [47]
Sep 25, 2021 Pennsylvania Derby Parx Racing I 1+1⁄8 miles 1 1+1⁄4 lengths 1:48.64 0.90* 122 lbs Flavien Prat [48]
Nov 6, 2021 Breeders' Cup Classic Del Mar I 1+1⁄4 miles 4 (4+1⁄2 lengths) 1:59.57 3.20 122 lbs Flavien Prat [49]
Dec 26, 2021 San Antonio Stakes Santa Anita II 1+1⁄16 miles 2 (nose) 1:44.82 0.20* 123 lbs Flavien Prat [26]
2022 – Four-year-old season
Feb 4, 2022 Al Maktoum Challenge, Round 2 Meydan (UAE) II 1900 metres[lower-alpha 3] 1 5+1⁄4 lengths 1:57.41 0.53*[lower-alpha 4] 125 lbs[lower-alpha 5] William Buick [30]
Mar 26, 2022 Dubai World Cup Meydan (UAE) I 2000 metres[lower-alpha 6] 2 (1+3⁄4 lengths) 2:04.97 4.00[lower-alpha 7] 122 lbs[lower-alpha 8] Flavien Prat [50]
Jun 18, 2022 Salvator Mile Monmouth Park III 1 mile 2 (head) 1:35.79 0.30* 124 lbs Mike E. Smith [51]
Aug 6, 2022 Whitney Stakes Saratoga I 1+1⁄8 miles 3 (2 lengths) 1:48.97 4.00 124 lbs Flavien Prat [33]
Oct 1, 2022 Lukas Classic Stakes Churchill Downs II 1+1⁄8 miles 1 head 1:49.77 1.33* 125 lbs Tyler Gaffalione [52]
Nov 5, 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic Keeneland I 1+1⁄4 miles 6 (15 lengths) 2:00.05 16.98 126 lbs Tyler Gaffalione [53]

Legend:
  Dirt   Turf
Notes:
An (*) asterisk after the odds means Hot Rod Charlie was the post-time favorite.

  1. ↑ Hot Rod Charlie set a new track record for the 1+3⁄16 miles distance at the Fair Grounds
  2. ↑ Hot Rod Charlie was first past the post but was disqualified for interference in the stretch run and was placed seventh
  3. ↑ Distance for the event was approximately 1+3⁄16 miles
  4. ↑ Hot Rod Charlie final odds with British Bookmakers were 8/15 odds-on since gambling is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates
  5. ↑ Hot Rod Charlie's weight was 56.5 kilograms in the race which is approximately 125 pounds
  6. ↑ Distance for the event was approximately 1+1⁄4 miles
  7. ↑ Hot Rod Charlie final odds with British Bookmakers were 4/1 odds-on since gambling is prohibited in the United Arab Emirates
  8. ↑ Hot Rod Charlie's weight was 55.0 kilograms in the race which is approximately 122 pounds


Source:[1]

Pedigree

Pedigree of Hot Rod Charlie, bay colt, foaled April 11, 2018[54]
Sire
Oxbow
2010		 Awesome Again (CAN)
1994		 Deputy Minister Vice Regent
Mint Copy
Primal Force Blushing Groom
Prime Prospect
Tizamazing
2002		 Cee's Tizzy Relaunch
Tizly
Cee's Song Seattle Song
Lonely Dancer
Dam
Indian Miss
2002		 Indian Charlie
1995		 In Excess Siberian Express
Kantado
Soviet Sojourn Leo Castelli
Political Parfait
Glacken's Girl
2005		 Smoke Glacken Two Punch
Majesty's Crown
Lady Diplomat Silver Deputy
Mercedes Mist[10][55]

References

  1. 1 2 "Horse Profile for Hot Rod Charlie (KY)". Equibase. 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  2. ↑ Reilly, Kelly (April 15, 2021). "Tales from the Crib: Hot Rod Charlie". Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve. Retrieved June 11, 2021.
  3. ↑ Reilly, Kellie (April 2, 2021). "Pedigree fun facts: Hot Rod Charlie". Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve. Retrieved June 10, 2021.
  4. ↑ Oswald, Jessie (April 30, 2021). "HORSE RACING: Hot Rod Charlie took an interesting road to the Kentucky Derby". News and Tribune. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  5. ↑ Russo, Nicole (April 23, 2021). "Kentucky Derby 2021: Hot Rod Charlie bringing more honor to late breeder". DRF. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  6. ↑ McGrath, Chris (January 29, 2021). "This Side Up: One Last Apple from the Cox Orchard". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. Retrieved July 2, 2021.
  7. ↑ Robin, Brian (March 22, 2021). "How Hot Rod Charlie Brought One Small Syndicate to the Derby". Online Gambling | OG News. Retrieved March 11, 2021.
  8. ↑ Merritt, Matty (April 30, 2021). "Hot Rod Charlie and His Five Best Human Friends Have Big Kentucky Derby Dreams". Morning Brew. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  9. ↑ Pedulla, Tom (March 19, 2021). "Derby Diaries: Patrick O'Neill on Hot Rod Charlie's Louisiana Derby Chances". America's Best Racing. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  10. 1 2 3 4 "Hot Rod Charlie Profile". planetsport. Retrieved June 9, 2021.
  11. ↑ "Hot Rod Charlie Fresh Off Juvenile Shock". Longines Breeders' Cup. February 26, 2021. Retrieved May 3, 2021.
  12. 1 2 King, Byron (March 20, 2021). "Hot Rod Charlie Breaks Through in Louisiana Derby Win". America's Best Racing. Retrieved May 4, 2021.
  13. ↑ "Hot Rod Charlie sets track record, gets first GII victory in $1M Louisiana Derby". Past The Wire. March 20, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  14. ↑ Fernandez, Gabriel (May 1, 2021). "Kentucky Derby 2021 winner: Medina Spirit pulls off shocking upset to give Bob Baffert a record 7th Derby win". CBSSports. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  15. ↑ Saxon, Jonathan (May 1, 2021). "Here are the payouts and final odds for the 2021 Kentucky Derby". The Courier-Journal. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  16. ↑ Bohannan, Larry (May 3, 2021). "Preakness trip highly unlikely for Hot Rod Charlie despite third-place finish in Kentucky Derby". The Desert Sun. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Belmont-bound Hot Rod Charlie drills five in 1:00.48 Friday". Past The Wire. May 28, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  18. ↑ Fernandez, Gabriel (June 5, 2021). "Belmont Stakes 2021 results: Favorite Essential Quality wins the Belmont, Hot Rod Charlie second". CBSSports. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  19. ↑ McGee, Marty (May 15, 2021). "Preakness 2021: Jockey Flavien Prat feels real joy with real victory". DRF. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Flavien Prat honors commitment to ride Hot Rod Charlie in Belmont Stakes". NBC Sports. Associated Press. June 3, 2021. Retrieved June 6, 2021.
  21. ↑ Ehalt, Bob. "Mandaloun Wins Haskell on Hot Rod Charlie DQ". Bloodhorse. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  22. ↑ Edelson, Stephen. "Did NJ anti-whip rule help cause Haskell incident? Hot Rod Charlie jockey says it did". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  23. ↑ Ehalt, Bob (September 25, 2021). "Hot Rod Charlie Earns Grade 1 Win in Pennsylvania Derby". Bloodhorse. Retrieved September 26, 2021.
  24. ↑ "2021 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Race Chart". Equibase. November 6, 2021. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  25. ↑ ""Vox Populi" Award". www.secretariat.com. 2021.
  26. 1 2 "San Antonio Stakes Grade 2". Equibase. December 26, 2021. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
  27. ↑ BloodHorse Staff (January 18, 2022). "Hot Rod Charlie Flies to Dubai Grade 1 winner will contest the Dubai World Cup (G1) and a prior prep race at Meydan". Bloodhorse.com. Retrieved January 18, 2022.
  28. ↑ "Hot Rod Charlie Preps for Dubai World Cup". www.bloodhorse.com. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  29. ↑ "Hot Rod Charlie Wins In Dubai". TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions. February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  30. 1 2 "Al Maktoum Challenge R2 Presented By The Longines Record Group 2". Racing Post. February 4, 2022. Retrieved February 4, 2022.
  31. ↑ Ehalt, Bob (March 26, 2022). "Country Grammer Wins Dubai World Cup for Baffert; Hot Rod Charlie ran second March 26 while favored Life Is Good faded to fourth". Bloodhorse.com. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  32. ↑ Crosby, Claire (June 18, 2022). "Mind Control Edges Hot Rod Charlie in Salvator Mile; Son of Stay Thirsty earned his first win of 2022 in his third start of the season". Bloodhorse.com. Retrieved October 17, 2022.
  33. 1 2 "2022 Whitney Stakes Grade 1 – (race 10)". Equibase. August 6, 2022. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  34. ↑ Ehalt, Bob (August 6, 2022). "Life Is Good Dazzles in Whitney; Trainer Todd Pletcher went 1-2 with Life Is Good and Happy Saver". Bloodhorse.com. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
  35. 1 2 King, Byron (October 1, 2022). "Hot Rod Charlie Edges Rich Strike in Lukas Classic; The 2021 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner just missed against older horses Oct. 1". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
  36. ↑ Ehalt, Bob (November 5, 2022). "Flightline delivers dominant BC Classic performance". BloodHorse.com. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  37. ↑ Andersen, Steve (January 10, 2023). "Hot Rod Charlie retired, will stand stud in Japan". www.drf.com. Retrieved June 11, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Chart Del Mar 11 July 2020 (race 5)". equibase.com. July 11, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  39. ↑ "Chart Del Mar 14 August 2020 (race 3)". equibase.com. August 14, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  40. ↑ "Chart Del Mar 7 September 2020 (race 3)". equibase.com. September 7, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  41. ↑ "Chart Santa Anita Park 2 October 2020 (race 3)". equibase.com. October 2, 2020. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  42. ↑ "2020 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (Grade 1) - (race 10)". equibase.com. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  43. ↑ "Robert B. Lewis Stakes Grade III - (race 7)". Equibase. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  44. ↑ "Twin Spires Louisiana Derby Grade 2 - (race 14)". Equibase. March 20, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  45. ↑ "2021 Kentucky Derby Grade 1 - (race 12)". Equibase. Retrieved May 2, 2021.
  46. ↑ "Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets". equibase.com. June 5, 2021. Retrieved June 5, 2021.
  47. ↑ "TVG.com Haskell Stakes Grade 1 - (race 12)". Equibase. July 17, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  48. ↑ "Pennsylvania Derby Grade 1". Equibase. September 25, 2021. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  49. ↑ "Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Grade 1". Equibase. November 6, 2021. Retrieved November 7, 2021.
  50. ↑ "2022 Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline Grade 1 (race 8)". Racing Post. March 26, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
  51. ↑ "Salvator Mile Stakes Grade 3". Equibase. June 18, 2022. Retrieved June 19, 2022.
  52. ↑ "2022 Lukas Classic Stakes Grade 2 - (race 10)". Equibase. October 1, 2022. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  53. ↑ "2022 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic Grade 1 - (race 11)". www.equibase.com. November 5, 2022. Retrieved November 6, 2022.
  54. ↑ "Pedigree of Hot Rod Charlie". Pedigree Online Thoroughbred Database. Retrieved June 8, 2021.
  55. ↑ "Kentucky Derby Horses: Hot Rod Charlie". Kentucky Derby Woodford Reserve.
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