First Winner for My Pal Charlie

Grade II winner My Pal Charlie was represented by his first winner when My Charlie Ray was awarded the victory in the first race July 25 at Evangeline Downs (VIDEO).

Trained by Bret Calhoun, the bay gelding bred in Louisiana by owner Chuck Ogle was bothered at the start of the $30,000, five-furlong maiden special weight by 17-10 favorite Mr. Drew, who went on to win by four lengths. My Charlie Ray, who was forced into other rivals by the interference at the break, raced on the outside to finish a game second and was awarded the victory after stewards disqualified Mr. Drew and placed him last in the eight-horse field of 2-year-olds.

My Pal Charlie, a full brother to grade II winner and sire Bwana Charlie and a half brother to grade II winner Bwana Bull, won the 2008 Super Derby (gr. II) at Louisiana Downs. An 8-year-old son of Indian Charlie, My Pal Charlie stands at Elite Thoroughbreds in Folsom, La., where his 2013 fee was $3,000. Owned by Spendthrift Farm, My Pal Charlie is a participant in Spendthrift's Breed Secure program for breeders.