Racing at Hollywood Park : Gallant Sailor Sprints to a $124.20 Surprise

Gallant Sailor, the longest shot in the race at 61-1, rallied to win Hollywood Park’s $108,400 National Sprint Championship by a head Saturday and return $124.20 for a $2 ticket.

Another longshot, Reconnoitering, finished second. Very Subtle and Olympic Prospect, the 2 betting favorites, crossed the line third and fourth in the 7-horse field.

Coming from last at the half-mile, Gallant Sailor, with Frank Olivares riding, ran the 6 furlongs in a creditable 1:09 3/5 despite having won just 1 race in 31 starts over the past 2 years, and 4 of 50 in his career.

The title of this race for 3-year-olds and older is misleading since there is no national title at stake and it is only a Grade III event.

Still the big finish delighted the longshot followers in the crowd of 25,010. In addition to the big win payoff, Gallant Sailor returned $31.80 to place and $9.60 to show. Reconnoitering, with Aaron Gryder aboard, paid $14.40 and $6, while Very Subtle, with Eddie Delahoussaye, paid $3.20. Reconnoitering finished second in this race last year but went off at 23-1.

Delahoussaye substituted aboard Very Subtle for Patrick Valenzuela, who suffered a broken right hand Friday in a jockey’s room fight with fellow rider Gary Stevens.

Gallant Sailor, a 5-year-old gelding, earned $63,400 for owner-trainer Kenneth G. Jones.