Banishing and Barbadian Runner Shine in Charles Town Classic Stakes and Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes
Banishing secured a victory in the $1 million Charles Town Classic Stakes (G2) at Hollywood Casino At Charles Town Races, adding to the success of co-owner Lawrence P. Roman and trainer/co-owner David Jacobson. The former Godolphin homebred, acquired for $80,000 at the 2024 Fasig-Tipton July Horses of Racing Age Sale, claimed his fourth stakes win in West Virginia, boosting his career earnings to $1,890,709. Banishing, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione, made a strong move on the backstretch and took the lead from Komorebino Omoide to win by 2 1/4 lengths, with Willy D's finishing second and Gould's Gold in third. The final time for the 1 1/8-mile race was 1:53.26, and Banishing paid $7.40.
Kentucky-bred Banishing, a 5-year-old Ghostzapper gelding out of Dowager, a winning A.P. Indy mare, showcased his talent in the Charles Town Classic Stakes. Ghostzapper, standing at Adena Springs North in Ontario, had a stud fee of $75,000 during the 2025 breeding season. In another race on the undercard, AJ Will Win Stables' Barbadian Runner emerged victorious in the $500,000 Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes for 3-year-olds. Trained by Henry Walters and ridden by Forest Boyce, Barbadian Runner overcame a slow start to win by 2 1/2 lengths over Neoequos, with Faster Gator finishing third. The final time for the seven-furlong race was 1:26.39.
Barbadian Runner, a Maryland-bred gelding by Barbados, was a bargain purchase at $5,000 at the 2023 Fasig-Tipton Midlantic Eastern Fall Yearling Sale. With five wins, including four stakes victories, in 17 starts, Barbadian Runner has earned $643,690. The Charles Town Classic Stakes and the Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes provided thrilling races and showcased the talent of Banishing and Barbadian Runner, rewarding their connections with well-deserved victories.