Kentucky Downs, September 1, 2025
News Summary
Wimbledon Hawkeye, a three-year-old British horse, secured a remarkable win at the $3.5 million G3 DK Horse Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs, earning $1 million. Jockey Frankie Dettori celebrated his second consecutive victory at this prestigious race. The win highlights the rising dominance of British horses in American races, with future opportunities like the Breeders’ Cup Turf in sight. As the competition drew attention, the international nature of horse racing was further showcased.
Nashville, Tennessee
Wimbledon Hawkeye, a British-based three-year-old horse, triumphed in the $3.5 million G3 DK Horse Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs on Saturday, earning a prize of $1 million for his impressive performance. This victory marks another win for English horses in the prestigious race, with jockey Frankie Dettori completing back-to-back Nashville Derby wins.
The race was intensely competitive, with Wimbledon Hawkeye clinching the win by just a head over the runner-up, Burnham Square. The accomplishment adds to the growing prominence of British horses in American races, further cementing the international nature of the sport.
Ryan King, the assistant trainer for James Owen, expressed enthusiasm about Wimbledon Hawkeye’s adaptability and performance during his travels. He highlighted the horse’s previous success in England, indicating potential future opportunities that could include high-stakes events like the Breeders’ Cup Turf and races at Aqueduct and in Bahrain.
This race represented King’s first time at Kentucky Downs, and he noted the significance of clearing quarantine at Churchill Downs before the event. Another participant, Laura Pearson, a UK jockey with prior suspensions who joined the trip to the U.S., commented on the differences in American tracks compared to those back in the UK and noted that the overall experience resulted in considerable growth for Wimbledon Hawkeye, both mentally and physically.
Despite not being eligible for Kentucky-bred restricted prize money, Wimbledon Hawkeye managed to earn over $1 million through this victory. Following the race, the three British horses involved, including Wimbledon Hawkeye, were scheduled to return home on Sunday morning. Other UK participants in the event included Khaadem and Cheshire Dancer, who were involved in separate races throughout the weekend.
Furthermore, two German horses also participated in the day’s events, with one of them, Flatten the Curve, recently winning the $1 million Mountain Dew Bowling Green Gold Cup. These German competitors were scheduled to head back home on Wednesday after their weekend races.
Looking ahead, trainer Ian Wilkes confirmed that Burnham Square will take a break for the remainder of this year in preparation for a 2026 turf campaign. He emphasized Burnham Square’s potential as a future Grade 1 winner, with aspirations to have him return to Kentucky Downs for upcoming races.
Summary of Key Facts
| Horse Name | Race | Location | Payout | Jockey |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wimbledon Hawkeye | Nashville Derby | Kentucky Downs | $1 million | Frankie Dettori |
FAQ
What is Wimbledon Hawkeye?
Wimbledon Hawkeye is a three-year-old horse based in the UK, which recently won the $3.5 million G3 DK Horse Nashville Derby in the United States.
What was the significance of the Nashville Derby win?
The win was significant as it marked the second consecutive Nashville Derby victory for English horses, highlighting their growing influence in American horse racing.
What are the future plans for Wimbledon Hawkeye?
Future plans for Wimbledon Hawkeye include potential participation in high-profile races such as the Breeders’ Cup Turf and other venues in Aqueduct and Bahrain.
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Additional Resources
- BloodHorse: England’s Wimbledon Hawkeye Takes Nashville Derby
- Wikipedia: Nashville Derby
- Paulick Report: Frankie Dettori Serves Up Nashville Derby Victory
- Google Search: Wimbledon Hawkeye Nashville Derby
- Racing Post: Frankie Dettori Lands $2M Nashville Derby
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Nashville Derby
- DraftKings: 2025 Nashville Derby Results
- Google News: Nashville Derby 2025
- BG Daily News: Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs
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.
