Closing Remarks Wins G2 Yellow Ribbon

Harris Farms’ homebred Closing Remarks earned her second career Grade 2 victory with her gallant effort in the $251,000 Yellow Ribbon Handicap (G2) going a mile and one-sixteenth over the firm turf course at Del Mar.

The daughter of Vronsky had a busy winter and spring at Santa Anita with a victory in the Royal Heroine S. (G2) and two additional graded stakes-placings. Making her first start at Del Mar since her second-place finish in the G1 Del Mar Oaks in 2021, Closing Remarks continued showing her fondness for the seaside layout.

Getting an untroubled and ground saving trip that began from the inside post, Closing Remarks was given a heady ride by Umberto Rispoli. Coming off the turn, they pair moved off the rail and found a clear path for their closing challenge. She caught the leader inside the final furlong and drove strongly to the wire to win by a neck.

“Being on the rail obviously, basically, what you want to do is get the best out of it,” said Rispoli. “I was trying to get her in a nice position. I knew Ganadora was going to be on the lead. The best was going to be a matter of finding a way to go at the top of the stretch. I think she (Closing Remarks) has been very alive her past couple of races. Today she improved and can compete with those horses. A huge win for Mr. Harris. Carla (trainer Gaines) gives a good prep in the morning and well done to the team.”

“Umberto (Rispoli) is the best,” said Gaines. “If there is any space he’s going to get through and that’s what he did. In grass racing you always want to save ground and he’s a master at it, so I just left it up to him. She didn’t have to make up quite as much ground as in her previous races and she loves this turf course.”

Closing Remarks is out of the Unusual Heat mare, Orange Cove. She takes her career earnings to $711,320.