Third in the 2024 Presque Isle Downs Masters Stakes when trained by Christophe Clement, Gal In a Rush took down this year’s renewal of the Grade 2 filly and mare sprint for the late trainer’s son, Miguel Clement, at the western Pennsylvania track. Getting a heady ride from Joel Rosario, who steered the 6-year-old Ghostzapper mare to the inside at the top of the stretch, Gal In a Rush drew off to win by a length at 10-1 odds to score her second career graded stakes victory.

Ellen Jay, the 5-2 favorite, finished second with Flavien Prat in the saddle, a nose in front of Tricky Temper and jockey Antonio Gallardo. Gal In a Rush covered seven furlongs on the synthetic track in 1:14.45 and paid $22.60 for the win, her fifth in 24 lifetime starts. Her previous graded stakes win came in the G3 Hendrie Stakes at Woodbine in July 2024.

Advertisement

After the top three came Candy Reward, Ticker Tape Home, pacesetter Mitole Magic, Elysian Field, Stormcast, Ms. Tart, Freedom Speaks, Pandora’s Gift and Naughty Favors.

Gal In a Rush race between horses in ninth position in the long run down the backstretch as Mitole Magic went a quick opening quarter mile in :22.08 and a half in :44.26. Mitole Magic still led at the top of the stretch after six furlongs in a sizzling 1:08.35, but she had nothing left for the final furlong.

Rosario was behind a wall of horses turning into the stretch, then saw the opening on the inside. Gal In a Rush still had two lengths to make up at the eighth pole, but she came through for the win.

In the 2024 running, Gal In a Rush finished third, beaten 1 3/4 lengths by Roses for Debra, also trained by Christophe Clement. The native of France died in May at the age of 59 from metastatic uveal malanoma, a rare form of cancer. Miguel Clement, who had assisted his father for a number of years, took over the stable and has since won seven graded stakes with six different horses.

Advertisement

Gal In a Rush, produced from the Dynaformer mare Hudson River Gal, is owned by West Point Thoroughbreds, Christ Larsen and Titletown Racing Stables.

This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Sep 20, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.