Seitz Gets First Winner as Trainer in Stakes

Brookdale Farm owner-turned-trainer Fred Seitz recorded his first win as trainer of record when his 2-year-old filly May Night scored a length win in Friday's P.G. Johnson Stakes at Saratoga.

A daughter of Gulch out of the Riverman mare Riverjinsky, May Night completed the 1 1/16-mile race over a yielding turf course in 1:44.61 with jockey Robby Albarado aboard.

My Interpretation was second, with Dressed to Kill 2 3/4 lengths back in third.

"I knew P.G. (Johnson) fairly well," Seitz said. "I had a very close friend who was a good friend of his. I liked P.G., he was very kind to me and always had a nice word to say. Winning this race was special, and being there with his family was more special.

"I have to pinch myself right now. It will sink in tonight or tomorrow. This filly is bred for the grass. Even though she never worked on the grass, we thought she would like it and we thought she would like the two turns."

May Night returned $31.80, $12.80, and $6.70.

Prior to the P.G. Johnson, May Night began her racing career with a fifth-place finish in a July 10 maiden special weight contest at Churchill Downs. She then finished second in a July 31 maiden special weight race at Ellis Park.

May Night, bred in Florida by Luis de Hechavarria, races for Seitz and Harvey Clarke. The filly was purchased by Twin Spires, agent, for $210,000 at the 2005 Ocala Breeders' Sales Co. March 2-year-olds in training sale from the consignment of Eisaman Equine, agent. The filly was originally purchased by Eisaman Equine, agent, for $80,000 at the 2004 Keeneland September yearling sale from the consignment of Summerfield, agent.

Brookdale Farm, near Versailles, Ky., is operated by Seitz and his sons, Joe and Freddy. The farm currently stands Crafty Prospector, Forest Wildcat, Newfoundland, and Silver Deputy.