CONCRETE GLORY - Pelican Stakes 2026 - Photo: Gonzalo Anteliz Jr.
In the $125,000, 6-furlong Pelican Stakes for older horses, Big Frank Stable’s 7-year-old gelding Concrete Glory broke well under Ortiz, assumed the lead early and turned back all challenges, staying resolute through the stretch for a 2-length victory from Track Mate. Silver Slugger ran well to finish third.
The victory was the first in stakes competition for Concrete Glory, who was claimed in 2022 for a meager $6,250 by winning trainer Saffie A. Joseph, Jr., for Big Frank Stable out of a Gulfstream Park victory. Concrete Glory improved to 18-for-41 lifetime, and the winner’s share of $60,000 raised his career earnings to $583,249.
Concrete Glory’s time was 1:09.74. He paid $14.40 to win.
Joseph couldn’t help but get a little emotional about the Pennsylvania-bred son of Bodemeister’s effort. “He’s such a cool horse to be around. I have a lot better ones than him, but he is my favorite horse in the barn,” Joseph said.
“He gives you his all every time, and when you hang around him he understands you. He’s so smart. He knows me and he knows he’s my favorite, and every Tuesday when I see him, my guys know if he doesn’t get his bath I get really pissed off.”
Ortiz shares that joy by riding Concrete Glory. He has won on him numerous times, including in November at Churchill Downs and last summer at Saratoga.
“He always runs so good for me, and I guess I do good for him,” Ortiz said. “I think he likes the way I ride him. He likes to be free and I don’t get in his way. When there are horses around him, I let him be him, and he’s been showing up for me.”
Unedited Press Release by Tampa Bay Downs
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