Beach Patrol Finally Returns to Victory in G1 Arlington Million

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL – Multiple graded stakes-winning Beach Patrol finally returned to the winner’s circle after a year-long absence, taking Saturday’s Grade 1, $1,000,000 Arlington Million.

Jockey Joel Rosario held the 4-year-old Chad Brown trainee in second through much of the 1 1/4-furlong race while Oak Brook led through fractions of :24.45, :49.53, 1:14.38, and 1:38.92. Deauville briefly took the lead with 1/8 of a mile to go but couldn’t hold off the hard charge from Beach Patrol, who completed the 1 1/4-mile turf race in 2:02.39.

“They told me I had to get him out of the gate and get into a good position and let him find himself,” said Rosario. “It took a little bit of time, but he really found his way after. I appreciate the chance and the opportunity to be able to ride him.”

Fanciful Angel got up late to steal second by a neck over Deauville, who in turn was a head in front of Enterprising. Ascend, Oak Brook, Divisidero, Oscar Nominated, Kasaqui, Mekhtaal, Ghost Hunter, and local favorite The Pizza Man completed the order of finish. Scottish was scratched.

With the win, Beach Patrol improved his career record to 15-4-5-3. Owned by a partnership between James Covello, Sheep Pond Partners, and Head of Plains Partners, his last trip to the winner’s circle was the Grade 1 Secretariat on August 13, 2016. Despite being winless, he was never worse than fourth and had a record of 6-0-3-1.

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“This was the spot and the race we’ve been waiting for a year,” said co-owner Sol Kumin. “He loves it here, Joel gave us a great ride, obviously Chad and his team had the horse ready, and we’re super happy. It’s funny – Chad always talked about this is the best trophy in horse racing. It’s always been on the bucket list and I’m super fortunate to be here with my kids and dad. It doesn’t get much better than this.”

Beach Patrol returned $11.80 to win, $6 to place, and $4 to show. Fanciful Angel brought back $51.40 to place and $10.40 to show, while Deauville paid $2.80 to show.