RENE DIAZ, JUSTIN EVANS NAMED LIP CHIP JOCKEY, TRAINER OF WEEK AT REMINGTON PARK

Rene Diaz, on the coattails of a win in the Oklahoma Classics Sprint aboard longshot Connors Outlaw, a second place in the Oklahoma Classics Cup with Winters Lion, a third in the Oklahoma Classics Distaff Handicap on Eireann and three other wins last week was named Lip Chip Jockey of the Week.

Justin Evans, behind seven total firsts or seconds with 10 starters, was honored as Lip Chip Trainer of the Week. One of those victories came with Killa Sally in the Oklahoma Classics Distaff Turf Stakes with David Cabrera up.

Diaz was able to pilot Connors Outlaw, at 22-1 odds, to the winner’s circle in the Sprint at six furlongs on Friday, winning by 1-1/4 lengths. This 6-year-old Oklahoma-bred gelding is trained by Mike Abney for owners Larry Foos and Troy Cartmill. The 8-5 wagering favorite, Breakable Code, could do no better than fifth in the field of 11. Diaz rode a roller coaster of a race with Connors Outlaw, sitting third at first call, fifth at second call and finally taking over by a half-length in the stretch.

Diaz also was a winner last week with two maidens on Wednesday night – Gun Magic for trainer Ronnie Cravens III and Walk That Walk for trainer Mark Buehrer. Diaz currently sits seventh in the jockeys’ standings with 11 trips to the winner’s circle this meet. He is well behind leader Erik Asmussen at 43 wins. Diaz also had a winner Thursday night with another maiden – Black Mesa for trainer Austin Gustafson.

The journeyman jock has had 2,600 mounts lifetime with 365 wins, 338 seconds and 354 thirds and total horses’ earnings of $10,955,609.

Evans’ barn has really heated up after a slow start to the meet. His four wins included an upset win with his 10-1 longshot Killa Sally in the Classics Distaff Turf. Cabrera rode the 3-year-old Oklahoma-bred filly to a half-length victory in the 1-1/16th miles on the turf, outlasting 4-5 favorite Talkin Cadee to the wire. Killa Sally is owned by David Bernsen and Shamrock Stables.

Evans’ other winners for the week were Flashy Fritz in a claiming event on Wednesday, Cat Gamer among claimers Thursday, and Triple Blessings broke her maiden Saturday night. Evans’ second-place finishers for the week were Filly Crystal among claimers on Wednesday, and Bravitas and Duran against claimers Thursday.

Evans brought his string of horses to Remington Park for the first time in full-time fashion for the fall meeting, and is no stranger to the winner’s circle. He is tied for fifth in the trainers’ standings with Oklahoma Horse Racing Hall of Famer Joe Offolter at nine wins apiece. They are well back of leader Steve Asmussen, who has had 47 winners. Evans has had 11,397 starters with 2,771 winners; 2,073 seconds, and 1,591 thirds in his career for horses’ earnings of $37,399,760.

Remington Park racing continues Wednesday-Saturday, Oct. 21-24, with the first race nightly at 6:30pm-Central.

Remington Park has provided more than $429 Million to the State of Oklahoma general education fund since the opening of the casino in 2005. Located at the junction of Interstates 35 & 44, in the heart of the Oklahoma City Adventure District. Remington Park’s marquee event for 2-year-old Thoroughbreds is the Springboard Mile. A qualifying points race for the 2027 Kentucky Derby, the Springboard will be contested on Saturday, Dec. 19. Remington Park presents year-round simulcast racing and casino gaming. Guests must be 18 or older to wager on horse racing or to enter the casino gaming floor. Visit remingtonpark.com for more information.

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