‘I Love Kentucky Racing’: Sturgeon Moon Caps Tyler Gaffalione’s Six-Win Day In Audubon Oaks originally appeared on Paulick Report.
OXO Equine’s Sturgeon Moon made a strong, late rally to overtake Princess Proud in the stretch to win Sunday’s $200,000 Audubon Oaks at Ellis Park, giving jockey Tyler Gaffalione his sixth victory on the card.
Advertisement
Trained by Will Walden, Sturgeon Moon completed the seven furlongs in 1:23.08 over a fast track.
Longshot Viral Plane Lady took the early lead over 8-5 favorite Princess Proud, who tracked to her outside in second through an opening quarter in :22.37. Princess Proud advanced between runners on the far turn with Hollygrove three wide and the duo took the field into the stretch after a half-mile in :45.14. Princess Proud stayed to the inside in the lane but could not hold off the late rally of Sturgeon Moon, who swept past and drew clear to win by three lengths.
“I love Kentucky racing, it’s a blast to be here.” Gaffalione said. “I figured with her cutting back in distance she’d enjoy the seven-eighths. I just kept her motivated late but she ran a big effort.”
Princess Proud finished a half-length in front of Trusty Troutman. She was followed by Viral Plane Lady, Hollygrove, Run Camila Run and Ruby’s Ghost.
Advertisement
A daughter of Instagrand out of the Warrior’s Reward mare La Regia, Sturgeon Moon was bred in Kentucky by Phalaris, LLC. The victory, which followed her third in the 1 1/16-mile Indiana Oaks (G3) July 5, improved her record to 6-3-1-1 and increased her career earnings to $253,005. She returned $6 for those who backed her at the windows.
Gaffalione, who resumed riding on July 19 at the Henderson, Ky., track after being sidelined four months with a fractured left ankle, currently leads the track’s rider standings with 21 victories, five more than Brian Hernandez Jr. in second. In addition to the Audubon Oaks, scored three other stakes wins on the card: the R. A. ‘Cowboy’ Jones with Tumbarumba, the Ellis Park Derby with Big Truzz, and the Ellis Park Juvenile with Comport.
Tyler Gaffalione celebrates his six-win day following his victory aboard Sturgeon Moon in the Audubon Oaks at Ellis ParkCoady Media
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Aug 10, 2025, where it first appeared.