Kentucky Downs, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Lord Eddard Stark, a 7-year-old gelding from Florida, will compete in the $1 million Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational at Kentucky Downs this Saturday. With a morning line of 30-1, he faces tough competition including morning line favorite Flatten the Curve. Eddard Stark’s racing history showcases both promise and potential, making this race a highly anticipated event for horse racing enthusiasts.
Franklin, Kentucky – Florida-bred Lord Eddard Stark Set to Compete in $1 Million Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational at Kentucky Downs
Lord Eddard Stark, a 7-year-old gelding hailing from Florida, is poised to make his mark in the $1 million Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational at Kentucky Downs this Saturday. Owned by John Rowe and trained by Joseph Orseno, Lord Eddard Stark will race against seven other entrants in a challenging 2 and 1/16-mile turf race.
This seasoned contender has already made headlines with a striking win in the H. Allen Jerkens Handicap last December, overcoming 60-1 odds. Following this notable achievement, he carries a morning line of 30-1 into the upcoming race, showcasing both promise and potential.
In his career, Lord Eddard Stark has accumulated a respectable record with five wins, four second-place finishes, and five third-place finishes, garnering total earnings of $247,149. He previously achieved victory in the $108,000 J. Allen Jerkins at Gulfstream Park, where he bested a field going two miles. However, his subsequent four appearances in grass marathon stakes yielded less satisfactory results, as he failed to finish within the top three. Notably, he placed seventh in the William L. McKnight (G3) in January, just 2.25 lengths behind the leader.
Lord Eddard Stark’s pedigree reflects a strong lineage, with He’s Had Enough as his sire and Rough Winter (by Macho Uno) as his dam. Bred by Michael John Rowe, his heritage contributes to his performance on the track.
The competition at Kentucky Downs will be fierce, with Flatten the Curve, a 6-year-old gelding trained by Henk Grewe, emerging as the morning line favorite. He has demonstrated impressive form this year, securing three wins in four starts and total earnings of $308,938. He will be ridden by Thore Hammer Hansen from post seven.
Other notable competitors include Goldeneye, San Siro, Tawny Port, Limited Liability, Balladeer, and Freedom’s Way. Each horse brings unique strengths and jockeys, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the race.
Lord Eddard Stark is set to break from post six and will be ridden by esteemed jockey Javier Castellano on race day. Fans and spectators can look forward to an exhilarating display of athleticism as these eight contenders charge down Kentucky Downs’ renowned undulating turf course.
Background Context
Kentucky Downs is celebrated for its unique turf layout that challenges horses and jockeys alike with rolling hills and diverse surface conditions. Lord Eddard Stark’s upcoming race will be a test of endurance and strategy, as the horses navigate this distinct course over the longer race distance. Given his mixed bag of previous performances, supporters and followers of horse racing will be eager to see if Lord Eddard Stark can leverage his past success into a commanding presence at the invitational event.
Key Features of the Race
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Race Name | Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational |
| Date & Time | Saturday |
| Total Purse | $1 million |
| Track Type | Turf |
| Distance | 2 and 1/16 miles |
| Entrants | 8 horses (aged 3 and older) |
| Post Positions | Lord Eddard Stark – Post 6 |
| Jockey | Javier Castellano |
| Morning Line Favorite | Flatten the Curve |
FAQ
What is the Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational?
The Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup Invitational is a prestigious horse race taking place at Kentucky Downs with a total purse of $1 million.
Who is Lord Eddard Stark?
Lord Eddard Stark is a 7-year-old Florida-bred gelding trained by Joseph Orseno, known for his impressive win at the H. Allen Jerkens Handicap at odds of 60-1.
How has Lord Eddard Stark performed in previous races?
He has won five races and placed in several others, accumulating total earnings of $247,149 across his career.
Who are the other competitors in the race?
Other competitors include Flatten the Curve, Goldeneye, San Siro, Tawny Port, Limited Liability, Balladeer, and Freedom’s Way.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association: About Us
- Thoroughbred Daily News: Letter to the Editor
- BloodHorse: Florida Breds Surpass Last Year’s Graded Stakes Tally
- Florida Politics: Florida Thoroughbred Industry Business Data
- Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association: Hades Tops Black Diamond Cat Entries
- Wikipedia: Horse Racing
- Google Search: Thoroughbred Horse Racing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- Google Scholar: Florida Thoroughbred Industry
- Google News: Florida Horse Racing
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
The BOWLING GREEN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBowlingGreen.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Bowling Green, Warren County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Corvette Homecoming, International Festival, concerts at SKyPAC, and sports events at Beech Bend Park. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and the African American Museum Bowling Green Area, plus leading businesses in automotive, apparel, and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors Corvette Assembly Plant, Fruit of the Loom, and Med Center Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELexingtonKY.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
