In honour of the Juneteenth holiday, Hawthorne Race Course recognized the many black drivers competing in Illinois by hosting the first pari-mutuel race in the state with a field of horses driven all by black drivers.
The Juneteenth Celebration race went as Race 9 on the Saturday (June 19) card as Coach Loman, driven by Archie Buford, was sent as the wagering favourite in the full field of 10.
Leaving for the lead was Bombay Bobby, driven by Cornelius Cavett, as he was challenged by Mayor Virgin and driver Terry Skinner through an opening quarter in :29.4. At the half, Jamaica Patton guided Todds Party to the front while Hosea Williams pushed things along with Flying Marvin in :59.1.
Into the lane, Todds Party held the lead as Coach Loman and Mayor Virgin put in valiant bids but Todds Party was too good, winning in 1:55.2. Mayor Virgin battled on to finish second while Coach Loman held third.
Todds Party is trained by Jamaica Patton and owned by Bruce and Mary Alexander. The win was the second for Todds Party as he went the co-second choice at 4-1.
The drivers who competed in the Juneteenth Celebration Race were Jamaica Patton, Archie Buford, Cordarius Stewart, Jamaal Denson, Jordan Patton, Curtis Bradford, Hosea Williams, Cornelius Cavett, Terry Skinner and Freddie Patton, Jr.
(Hawthorne Race Course)