Congrats’ Pat On the Back added two milestones to his brilliant career on Saturday, getting his first graded stakes win in the $300,000 Kelso H. (G2) and also earning millionaire status after the $165,000 payday. He the third millionaire and 11th graded stakes winner for Congrats.
The venerable 5-year-old now has eight stakes wins overall and has earned $1,101,032 for owners Hal Lerner, AWC Stables and Nehoc Stables. The New-York bred has won his last five starts at Belmont Park, all in stakes dating back to July of 2018.
Ridden by regular rider Dylan Davis, Pat On the Back relaxed nicely just a couple length behind the leaders through first half-mile in :45.73. Given his cue with three furlongs to run, Pat On the Back went four-wide into the stretch, then wore down Prince Lucky late to win by a half-length in 1:33.97 for the mile on the fast track.
“He really is a fighter and Dylan did a fantastic job of getting him off the pace,” trainer Jeremiah Englehart said. “We didn’t want to be on the lead today and Dylan really did a masterful job of being able to get him back behind horses without fighting him too much. That was amazing.”
Pat On the Back was bred by Sugar Maple Farm. He is the last reported foal out of his dam Accomplished, who has had eight winners from as many starters.
