The Puma, ridden by Hall of Fame jockey Javier Castellano, won the $1,000,000 Grade I Pennsylvania Derby at Parx Racing in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, September 19, 2026, according to a report by the Thoroughbred Daily News.
The three-year-old colt, sired by Essential Quality, fought off favored ‘TDN Rising Star’ Further Ado by a half-length to secure the Grade I victory on a late summer afternoon. The race drew a competitive field of sophomores, with Sassmaster finishing another 1 1/2 lengths back in third place.
### Race Dynamics and Stretch Run
Racing as the 5-2 second choice, The Puma settled in eighth position early in the race. According to the Thoroughbred Daily News, longshots Talk to Me Jimmy and Ponder and Dream set the early fractions at :23.27 and :47.69. Castellano guided The Puma through an overland route on the far turn, launching a sweeping move that brought the colt to the front at the top of the stretch.
Further Ado, guided by Flavien Prat from a stalking inside position, tipped out for room to challenge. The Puma established a three-length advantage at the stretch call. While Further Ado closed with massive strides, it wasn’t enough to catch the winner.
### Training Strategy and Equipment Changes
Trainer Gustavo Delgado noted that the victory marked a major milestone for the team. The colt previously scratched from the Grade I Kentucky Derby due to a leg swelling caused by a skin infection.
“You always want to win the Grade I,” Delgado said, according to the Thoroughbred Daily News. “For all the people, the family, it’s very good. The best race for me is right now. Very happy and very exciting.”
The race featured a key equipment change, as The Puma raced in first-time blinkers. Castellano credited the adjustment for the colt’s sharp performance.
“With the blinkers, focused,” Castellano said, as reported by the Thoroughbred Daily News. “I moved, when I asked he gave it to me right away. At some point I said, ‘Oh my God, you moved too early Javier.’ But he felt good, he was happy and it was a great performance.”
### Ownership and Future Plans
The Puma is campaigned by a large partnership group that includes the Delgado Family’s OGMA Investments, High Step Racing, TCC Stables, YNG Stables, and Jose Aguirre’s JR Ranch. High Step Racing representative Randy Guy reflected on the journey following the scratch on Kentucky Derby day.
“It’s been a long ride,” Guy told the Thoroughbred Daily News. “We scratched on the day of the Derby, and it was frustrating. But it was the best thing.”
Trainer Delgado and his son, assistant trainer Gustavo Delgado Jr., plan to return the horse to Saratoga before consulting partners on a potential start in the Breeders’ Cup.
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