Jockey Ismerio Villalobos wins two NTL races

BALTIMORE - The National Thoroughbred League (NTL) season began at Pimlico on a picture-perfect Saturday afternoon, and the New York Knights captured the Pimlico Cup.

The Knights got off to a fast start in the first heat of the three-race competition, winning Pimlico’s sixth race with Addy’s Laddy T N T. Ridden by 17-year-old Yedsit Hazlewood and trained by Jose Corrales, Maryland-bred Addy’s Laddy T N T grabbed the six-furlong event by 1 ½ lengths over Remembering Wilbur (Nashville Dreams). Minister for Magic (Phoenix Mustangs) finished third.

The Dreams, co-owned by country music icon Tanya Tucker, turned the tables a half-hour later as King’s River rallied from off the pace to take the seventh race at 1 1/8 miles on turf. Kendama, representing the Knights, finished second, 3 ¼ lengths behind the winner. Prince Khozan (Philadelphia Stallions) won a photo finish for third.

With one win and one second-place finish apiece, it came down to the Knights and the Dreams in the final NTL race. Betting favorite Cactus tracked and pounced his way to victory for the Miami Thunderbolts, but the Knights won the day with Boss Is a Pal’s runner-up placing. Nashville’s hope, Monster Mason, finished eighth.

Jockey Ismerio Villalobos was undoubtedly the NTL MVP, winning the last two NTL races. Jose Magana trained King’s River while Kieron Magee saddled Cactus.

The three NTL races, each worth $75,000 in purse money, featured 3-year-olds and upward who had started for a claiming price of $8,000 or less in their last three starts or were offered for a claiming price range between $12,500 and $10,000.

All ten teams entered one horse from their roster in each participating race. Teams competed for 3,000 points. The team with the most points on the day won the Pimlico Cup, and the team with the most points for the year wins the overall NTL Championship.

The NTL is an innovative concept that reimagines America’s oldest spectator sport by creating a team-based professional league. This format allows fans to root for their favorite teams. The NTL is also a lifestyle brand, with food, fashion, and fun events akin to the Kentucky Derby or a significant Formula 1 race.

The NTL activities began Friday evening with the NTL VIP Kickoff Party and Forever Dreamers Fundraiser. Hosted by two-time NFL MVP and Maryland Colts lead owner Lamar Jackson, the fundraiser helped cover costs for Baltimore Community Day on May 10. Pimlico hosted thousands of local children on Baltimore Community Saturday for Jackson’s Forever Dreamers Initiative.

It was an all-day party at Pimlico with celebrity meet-and-greets, a kids’ “hippity hop” race over the historic Pimlico track, live music, and an appearance by Maryland Governor Wes Moore.

(video clips)

“Riders Up” Call from Lamar Jackson and Wes Moore: Click here to view

Kids “Hippity Hop” Race: Click here to view

For more video clips from the NTL event, click here.

Around the track:

The second race was declared a no-contest after the starting gate malfunctioned…Live racing resumes at Pimlico on Sunday. The first post time is 12:10 ET… Pimlico hosts the popular “Mother’s Day at the Races” between 11 am and 3 pm. For tickets and more information, click here.