RUNHAPPY’s Rotknee returned to his winning ways on Sunday with a victory in the Hudson Stakes during the Empire Showcase Day.
Rotknee was urged out of the gate by Jose Lezcano in the 6 ½ furlong race and early on had to battle with Today’s Flavor before firmly taking over going to the quarter pole. He was clear of the field in the stretch and had a safe lead near the line.
Horses closed in on him late, but in the end, Rotknee won by a length to win his fourth career stakes and eighth career race overall. The 4-year-old William Butler homebred took his career earnings to $473,955 with the victory.
Rotknee is one of three stakes performers out of the three-time winner In Spite Of Mama alongside the stakes placed duo of My Main Squeeze and Lookin For Trouble. This is also the family of Grade 1 winner Haynesfield and Grade 2 winner Ambassador.
In Spite of Mama had a WAR OF WILL filly last year before foaling a full brother to Rotknee this year.