Chip Honcho Secures Victory in 2024 Ohio Derby
Chip Honcho, a three-year-old colt sired by Connect, captured the Grade 3 Ohio Derby at Thistledown on June 22, 2024, defeating runner-up Ocelli by a neck. Ridden by jockey Jareth Loveberry and trained by Brad Cox, the colt navigated the 1 1/8-mile dirt track in 1:51.68, marking a significant milestone in his racing career.
How the Race Unfolded at Thistledown
The 87th running of the Ohio Derby saw Chip Honcho maintain a tactical position throughout the contest. According to race charts provided by Equibase, Chip Honcho broke from the gate and tracked the early leaders before making a decisive move on the final turn.
Ocelli, trained by Eoin Harty, challenged for the lead in the stretch but could not overcome the late surge from the eventual winner. Copper Tax, the morning-line favorite, finished third. The victory added $150,000 to Chip Honcho’s earnings, bringing his career total to $283,200, as reported by BloodHorse.
Why This Win Matters for the Three-Year-Old Division
This victory highlights the depth of Brad Cox’s stable in the three-year-old division. Chip Honcho entered the race with limited stakes experience, having previously placed in allowance company. By securing a Grade 3 win, the colt earns essential graded stakes credentials that increase his long-term value as a potential stallion prospect.
The performance also serves as a testament to the influence of his sire, Connect, a son of Curlin. Connect has been a consistent producer of middle-distance dirt runners, and Chip Honcho’s ability to handle the 1 1/8-mile distance suggests he may be suited for longer-distance races later this season.
Comparison of Top Finishers
| Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Finish Position |
| :— | :— | :— | :— |
| Chip Honcho | Brad Cox | Jareth Loveberry | 1st |
| Ocelli | Eoin Harty | John Velazquez | 2nd |
| Copper Tax | Gary Capuano | Mychel Sanchez | 3rd |
What Happens Next for the Contenders?
Following the Ohio Derby, trainers typically evaluate their horses for upcoming marquee events in the summer racing calendar. While connections have not officially announced the next start for Chip Honcho, horses emerging from the Ohio Derby often target races like the West Virginia Derby or late-summer stakes at Saratoga Race Course.
The Ohio Derby remains a primary regional event for three-year-olds, often serving as a bridge for horses that did not participate in the Triple Crown series. Owners and trainers will now monitor how the field recovers from the race before committing to their next entry, according to race updates from Daily Racing Form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ohio Derby held?
The race takes place annually at Thistledown Racino in North Randall, Ohio.
What is the distance of the Ohio Derby?
The race is contested at 1 1/8 miles on a dirt track.
Who owns Chip Honcho?
Chip Honcho is owned by the partnership of WinStar Farm and Siena Farm.