Not only did the male win the May 21 stakes his victory set two historic firsts at the 86-year old facility. Hi Noon Renegade became the first Gold Trophy Juvenile champion to have also won the Sprint Classic in the same meet in the 36-year history of the two stakes. The youngster just turned 2-years old last month and may possibly have been the youngest to win the Sprint Classic in March. The results will be forthcoming.
Renegade's biggest historic stakes mark was for the Nova Kennel that is the only kennel in the 72-year history of the Gold Trophy stakes to take the Gold Trophy three consecutive years. Nova passed kennel legends including Keith Dillon (1981-82), G. A. Alderson (1979-80) and C. A. Rhodes (1941-42) that scored consecutive wins as well as Robert Thorne who won the stakes in 2001-2002.
"What an honor to be part of the history," said kennel owner Hans Limmer. "This greyhound (Renegade) is unbelievable. He has been Rosa's favorite since he arrived in the kennel." Rosa Gibbs is Limmer's trainer who quickly bonded to Renegade the minute he arrived in the kennel. "He's my boy," said Gibbs. Limmer joked adding that he has to make an appointment to see Renegade because Rosa takes up all of Renegade's time. Charles Haliburton, III of Colorado who watched the race via Derby Lane's live streaming video owns Hi Noon Renegade.
"I also want to recognize Phyllis Shuffield and my son Peter Limmer who whelped and raised Renegade," said Limmer during his interview. "I also want to thank the fans that came out here tonight." Limmer's wife Elly was by his side and beamed with pride over the stakes win, too.
Hi Noon Renegade was the stakes favorite the day the first round entries were posted. He continued to win sweeping the entire qualifying series and looked even more phenomenal when he won the final. Renegade broke out on top and it was clear from the onset that the male was going to be tough to beat. Cal Holland kennel's Kentucky Fire who was the only female in the race challenged him late, but Renegade found another gear and pulled away to win by three at the wire. Renegade's winning time of 30.43 is the second fastest in the Gold Trophy stakes history, too.
Kentucky Fire finished second followed by Tortuga Trophy and Brother Buck both from D'Arcy kennel. Fifth through eighth was Kiowa Grand Gary (Patriot), Kiowa Rousey (O'Donnell), Longo (Floyd & Porter) and Speedy Sprocket (Royal Racing Team).
What's next for Renegade? "He will be my entry in the upcoming T. L. Weaver stakes," said Limmer. Fans are getting excited about the race as last year's winner Flying Coal City (McAllister) is expected to defend his title. The qualifying rounds for the stake is June 1. The stakes final is Saturday June 4.
By Vera Rasnake
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