My Happiness is first U. S. winner for Darby Dan Farm’s Bee Jersey

My Happiness proved much the best in her second career start on Friday night at Prairie Meadows, winning a maiden special weight event by six widening lengths and becoming the first North American winner for her sire Bee Jersey who stands at Darby Dan Farm (WATCH RACE).

Ridden by Alex Canchari, My Happiness chased the early leaders from fifth in the early stages of the 4 ½-furlong test. She engaged the pacesetters entering the far turn, shook loose at the head of the lane, and pulled away late to register a convincing score. An Iowa homebred for Christine Hicklin Mamakos, My Happiness is produced from the Yonaguska mare Mayfield Road.

Bee Jersey, winner of the historic Metropolitan Handicap (G1) and Steve Sexton Mile Stakes (G3), won five of 10 starts in his career and banked $976,293. In the Metropolitan, Bee Jersey broke on top and was never headed, leading all the way to defeat 10 Graded stakes winners while stopping the clock for one mile in a fast 1:33.13 and earning a career-high 109 Beyer Speed Figure, the second-fastest Beyer in 2018 at the distance.

The Charles Fipke homebred began his racing career in Dubai where he finished second to subsequent U.A.E. Derby (G2) winner Thunder Snow in the U.A.E. Two Thousand Guineas (G2) at three. He broke his maiden in his first North American start at Keeneland, then trounced allowance company at Oaklawn by six lengths in the first of four consecutive victories. Prior to winning the Metropolitan H., he captured the Steve Sexton Mile, leading wire to wire for a dominating 5 ½-length victory over Haskell Invitational (G1) winner Girvin, recording a 104 Beyer Speed Figure.

Bee Jersey is the most accomplished son of Speightstown’s Grade 1 winner Jersey Town. Produced from the stakes-placed Rahy mare Bees, Bee Jersey hails from the family of Weekend Surprise, dam of Classic winners A.P. Indy and Summer Squall, and was a $250,000 Keeneland September yearling.

For more information on Bee Jersey, who stands for $5,000 S&N, please contact Ryan Norton at 859-254-0424.