Morey Ends King Jerry's Golden Gate Run

William E. Morey ended a string of 32 consecutive training titles won by Jerry Hollendorfer at Golden Gate Fields as the East Bay track's 30-day spring meeting came to a close June 22.

Morey saddled four winners on the June 21 card to gain a two-win edge, 25-23, over perennial champion Hollendorfer in the trainer standings heading into closing day. Morey's only starter finished second while Hollendorfer was blanked in four races and failed to gain.

Hollendorfer owns a streak of 37 training titles in a row at Bay Meadows, which is expected to close later this year. Hollendorfer had been the leading trainer at every major meeting in Northern California since 1986.

"It feels great," said Morey. "It hasn't been done since 1986. Our stable was up in starts and had a good win percentage. A lot of guys won a lot of races and that meant fewer races that Jerry won. This is hard to top. Some other guys will win titles but I'll be the one who was the first one to take down Jerry."

Steve Miyadi, who picked up one victory on the final day, wound up in a tie for second with Hollendorfer at 23 wins.

Morey, who has 60 horses in his stable, had 78 starters at the meeting and won races at outstanding 32% clip. Hollendorfer started 107 runners and had a winning rate of 21.4%. Miyadi had 80 starters and finished with a 28.7% victory average.

Morey, 34, is the son of veteran Bay Area conditioner William J. Morey, Jr., and served as his father's assistant for eight years before taking out his trainer's license in 2001. William E. Morey has ranked among the top five trainers at each of the past 10 major meetings in Northern California and was second to Hollendorfer at two recent Golden Gate stands.

There were no surprises in the race for leading jockey honors as Russell Baze won 48 races to earn his 33rd career riding championship at Golden Gate.

The closing day feature, the $75,000 Lost in the Fog Stakes for 2-year-olds, was won by Maidens Justice in an 11-1 upset.

A California-bred gray colt by Lit de Justice--Velvet Princess, by Wild Gold, Maidens Justice was guided to a 1 1/4-length victory by Juan Ochoa. Maidens Justice, who began her career with two runner-up finishes in maiden company, is owned by M.A. Douzos and Sandra Matos and conditioned by Gil Matos.

Maidens Justice, who rallied from last in the field of seven, completed the five-furlong event in :58.71. Lightning Diablo finished second, 1 1/4 lengths in front of the show horse, Seismometer.

(Chart, Equibase)