Luckies Joy wins season opener
at Horseshoe Indianapolis
 
SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Monday, April 8, 2024) — It was a great way to kick off the meet as Jockey Evin Roman scored the win in the season opener aboard Luckies Joy. The Puerto Rican born jockey was making his debut during the 22^nd season opener at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
 
Conditioned by Randy Klopp, Luckies Joy sprinted out for the early lead in the five and one-half furlong event, leading the way through the only turn of the race. In the stretch, Roman asked the gelding for more and he responded, opening up by seven and one-quarter lengths at the wire for the win to kick off the racing season. Good Forever and Marcelino Pedroza Jr. finished second just a head in front of Binge and German Terraza for third.
 
Luckies Joy paid $5.80 for the win. The four-year-old chestnut is by I’m So Lucky and is owned by Cynthia and Dennis Claramunt and Randy Klopp. Making his first start for 2024 a winning effort had special meaning to his connections.
 
“This horse is out of our mare, Joyous Lady, who won several stakes out here and by our stallion (I’m So Lucky),” noted Klopp. “We stood him at our farm for a few years. We bought him out of a sale and made several thousand with him before using him as our stud. He’s gelded now and enjoying life on our farm.”
 
It was the third career win in 10 starts for the gelding, who didn’t race at two. He boosted his career earnings to more than $68,000 with the win in the allowance.
 
For Roman, it was a great way to kick off the meet at his new location. He has been on the West Coast, racing at both Santa Anita and Golden Gate Fields where he had 13 total leading rider titles. Roman was also the Eclipse Award winner for Leading Apprentice Jockey in 2017, which was appropriate for the season opener tied in with the Total Solar Eclipse at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
 
“It’s awesome to start the meet off like this,” noted Roman, who is a graduate of the Jockey School in Puerto Rico. “I’ve been here a few months now and I’ve been working really hard. It’s my first time in the Midwest. I rode a few at Turfway before the start of racing here in Indiana.”
 
The 22^nd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing extends through Thursday, Nov. 14. Racing is conducted at 2:10 p.m. Monday through Thursday with select Saturdays provided throughout the 123-day season. Six all-Quarter Horse racing days will begin at 10:45 a.m. with the first date set for Saturday, June 1. For more information on live racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing.