Hail to the Nile prevailed by three-quarters of a length over Fort Pulaski after a race-long duel in Saturday’s $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Turf S. at Fair Grounds.
The win was the second stakes victory for the 5-year-old son of Pioneerof the Nile, who started off his 2016 stakes skien with a win in Fair Ground’s Dixie Poker Ace S. in February.
With three weeks remaining in 2016, Pioneerof the Nile continues to top the Fourth-Crop Sire list in several categories, including progeny earnings of $6.4 million, more than $1 million than any other sire on the list.
Hail to the Nile held a one length lead through the first half-mile, which went in a moderate :49.66. Fort Pulaski began to cut into the lead around the turn and took the top spot in mid-stretch, but Hail to the Nile fought back and was best on the line, finishing the 1 1/16-miles in 1:43.88 on the firm turf.
The winner was bred by Warren Harang III and is owned by Valene Farms. Hail to the Nile is now 6-6-3 in 31 outings and has earned $246,161.
