Delaware Park to Host 'Afleet Alex Day'

Delaware Park will host "Afleet Alex Day" Sept. 10 inconjunction with its annual Owners Day, which is offered by the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association.

Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner, through the issuance of a statement of recognition of Afleet Alex Day, will honor the 3-year-old colt's "extraordinary achievements" and recognize Delaware Park-based trainer and jockey, Tim Ritchey and Jeremy Rose, respectively, for their outstanding commitment to Delaware's rich horse racing tradition.

As part of the festivities, Minner will be on hand to make a trophy presentation. It is expected to occur between the second and third races.

Members of the public will receive a free photograph of Afleet Alex, who will appear on the track later in the day. Alex's Lemonade Stand, the chosen charitable organization of the Cash is King Stable, will sell lemonade for the benefit of pediatric cancer research. In addition, Afleet Alex merchandise will be available for sale.

"When anyone thinks of horse racing, they ultimately think of Afleet Alex," Delaware Park chief executive officer Bill Fasy said. "We wanted to do something grand to honor Alex and his team for giving all racing fans a truly memorable experience. We are extremely proud of Alex and the entire Afleet Alex team."

Said D. Scott Peck of the Delaware Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association: "It is a great honor for the state of Delaware and the Thoroughbred industry to have Gov. Minner recognize trainer Tim Ritchey, jockey Jeremy Rose, and owners Cash is King for their great racehorse, Afleet Alex."