SHELBYVILLE, Ind. (Wednesday, June 11, 2025) – Sir Bahjy has performed well in past premier racing events at Horseshoe Indianapolis, but he finally got his turn in the spotlight Wednesday, June 11, winning the 17^th running of the $100,000 Hoosier Breeders Sophomore Handicap. The sophomore gelding earned the victory in the six-furlong sprint in a time of 1:10.43.
 
Starting from post two, Sir Bahjy and Marcelino Pedroza Jr. broke from the gate but were swallowed up by early speed from Special Creed and Evin Roman, who established themselves as the pacesetters down the backstretch. Sleepy and Luis Contreras joined them heading to the quarter along the inside before taking back and letting Special Creed stride out on to the lead.
 
Around the final turn, horses began to swing wide to get into position for the stretch drive, including Sir Bahjy, who was widest of all and came out of the turn in the center of the track. Special Creed had developed an open length lead on his opponents but as the wire neared, so did the late closers. Sir Bahjy had the biggest kick and timed the wire just right to win by one length over Sleepy, who reemerged inside to finish second. Special Creed was third, just a neck back in the photo.
 
“He (Sir Bahjy) is really better going long,” noted Pedroza Jr. a three-time leading jockey at Horseshoe Indianapolis. “Last time I rode him short I have to use him a little bit more than I wanted to. Really today, he was just there for me closer to the horses. He broke well and had us closer to the pace. I didn’t have to use him early. Turning for home I had some horse, so I thought I’m going to kick him out. When I did, I knew we were going to run them down and we did. We are going to have fun with him.”
 
Sir Bahjy was overlooked as the longest shot of the six-horse field, paying $45.20 for the win. His connections are all previous year-ending leaders in the owner, trainer, and jockey category. Genaro Garcia trains the homebred by Bahjatty for owners Bruce and Lori Murphy along with Garcia’s Southwest Racing Stables. It was the second win in two races for 2025, keeping him undefeated in 2025.
 
“We thought it might be a little too short (six furlongs) for him today, but he came charging at the end,” noted Murphy. “It’s such an honor to be associated with these folks. Genaro (Garcia) does such a great job training and Marcelino (Pedroza Jr.) is a great jockey. And Genaro’s barn crew works so hard and does such a great job with these horses. I’m very fortunate to be with these folks.”
 
Garcia, a native of Mexico, has been training since 2006 and is closing in on 1,000 career wins. The multiple stakes winning trainer has been among the nation’s top 100 trainers every year since 2017 with his highest ranking of 24 recorded in 2022. He has conditioned several Indiana champions over the years, including Molly’s Town, Discreet Beauty, and Climber. Sir Bahjy adds his name to a long list of premier racing winners for the Garcia Stable.
 
The 23^rd season of live Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing runs through Thursday, Nov. 13. For more information on racing at Horseshoe Indianapolis, visit www.caesars.com/horseshoe-indianapolis/racing or find details on social media @HSIndyRacing.