Horseshoe Indianapolis Barn Notes: Bradshaw Earns First Win With ‘J.J.’

(“JJ” Wins at Horseshoe Indianapolis in Celebrations / Photos: Coady Media)

From the Horseshoe Indianapolis/Tammy Knox media team:

Jailhouse Justice gives new owner Tony Bradshaw his first victory in Indiana at the Horseshoe in Indianapolis

SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Monday, June 10, 2024) – Horseplayer Tony Bradshaw finally fulfilled his dream on Saturday, June 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis. His horse, Jailhouse Justice, nicknamed “JJ,” finished late in his first victory, allowing Bradshaw to see the victory from the side of the track, his first personal victory as a thoroughbred owner.

“It’s a dream come true,” Bradshaw said quietly after the win over “JJ.” “I followed horse racing as a child, when I would go to the track with my grandfather. It’s a real pleasure to be in the winner’s circle.”

Bradshaw’s path to owning a thoroughbred stallion began after winning the 2022 Road to Louisville at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Part of his prize was the opportunity to purchase an Indiana yearling at the ITOBA fall sale. Horseshoe Indianapolis has partnered with the Indiana Thoroughbred Horse Owners and Breeders Association (ITOBA). As a result, Bradshaw received $30,000 to purchase and care for a horse he selected from the sale. This promotion ran through the 2023 racing season last fall.

Bradshaw chose trainer Tony Granitz as his mentor and guide to owning Thoroughbreds. Granitz picked out several horses for Bradshaw at the sale, but Bradshaw had his eye on “JJ.”

“I don’t know what it was about it, but it was my first choice,” Bradshaw said. “We were waiting for the gelding Harry’s Holiday, which was sold later in the auction, and I won the bid for $8,100.”

“JJ” competed twice at Horseshoe Indianapolis on the dirt track last season, but to no avail. It was determined that the surface was a poor choice for the horse.

“I love grass racing and that’s one of the reasons I chose Tony (Granitz) as my coach because he’s really good on grass surfaces,” Bradshaw said. “I never dreamed that we would have a horse on the turf, but now he has found his place on the turf.”

“JJ” last started on the turf last year at Horseshoe Indianapolis and performed well. The promotion ended, but Bradshaw decided to remain in the business alone, with Granitz, who now co-owns the gelding.

Granitz headed to Tampa Bay to start last season, which was a win on the field. However, Bradshaw was not present, so he did not experience the thrill of seeing his horse win in person. “JJ” returned to Horseshoe Indianapolis and one Saturday, June 8, with Andres Ulloa aboard, he made his Indiana debut, winning the $38,000 one-mile track for Indiana-bred horses.

Following close to the back of the field, “JJ” negotiated some serious terrain and was the widest of all heading into the finish line. At the finish line he had only one horse to beat, another participant from the Granitz barn, Humble Warrior ridden by Marcelino Pedroza Jr. “JJ” won at the finish line by jumping with his head.

“I’m delighted,” Bradshaw added. “He (JJ) has a lot of fans now. I get calls all the time telling me when he will be running in the next race. I think my mom is more excited than I am. He calls me constantly asking for updates on “JJ” and when he will be racing. It was an amazing experience.”

In his next start, Bradshaw’s experience will rise to the next level. “JJ” indicates a $100,000 snack handicap set for Indiana Derby Day, a one-mile turf competition for stud and breeding stallions in Indiana.

“I told Tony (Bradshaw) that if he ran well in this race, we would take him back to Snack on Derby Day,” Granitz added. “He (JJ) earned his place in this race with his victory today. The timing is also perfect for his next start.

Without a doubt, Bradshaw will be cheering on his rival from the field in front of the biggest stage at Horseshoe Indianapolis throughout the season. Indiana Derby Day will consist of eight major events with a prize pool exceeding $1.1 million, and Snack will be a part of this event. The day will last until the 30th^volrunning the $300,000 Class 3 Indiana Derby, the richest thoroughbred horse race in Indiana. The first post on Saturday, July 6 for Indiana Derby Day is at 12:00 p.m

22^II The season of lively Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs until Thursday, November 14. Races take place from Monday to Thursday at 2:10 p.m. All Quarter Horse race dates are set for 10:45 a.m. on Saturdays June 29, July 20, August 10, August 31 and October 5. Indiana’s premier event, the $300,000 Grade 3 Indiana Derby, will be held on Saturday, July 6, with the first post at 12 p.m. For more information about live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe- indianapolis/racing or find the track on social media @HSIndyRacing.