Expensive Queen Powers Clear in $100,000 Al Stall Memorial

NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 14, 2026) — With a sweeping move around the far turn, Farfellow Farms’ Expensive Queen powered clear to win the $100,000 Al Stall Memorial Stakes on Saturday at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.

Trained by Brendan Walsh and piloted by Luis Saez, the Irish-bred mare covered 1 1/16 miles over the turf in 1:41.65, defeating seven older females by 2 1/4 lengths over odds-on favorite Medoro. After the Al Stall, Saez had racked up four wins on the Louisiana Derby Preview Day card.

“She’s a very nice mare,” Saez said. “She’s so lovely to ride. You can put her anywhere you want her in the race and she’ll respond to you.”

Expensive Queen settled in midpack while longshot Sophie Cruiser set an honest tempo of :23.27 and :47.28. Angling off the rail to launch her bid, Expensive Queen advanced on the far turn and, as the leaders began to fade, drew clear down the center of the course to prove best. Medoro tracked along the rail and produced late to run second. After a tough break, Sweet Treasure finished stoutly for third.

“It was a strong effort from her today,” Walsh said. “She had some issues last year and I think she’s over them now. She’s turning out to be a very nice mare.”

Expensive Queen paid $10.40, $3.60 and $2.80.

The 5-year-old Lopa de Vega mare improved her career record to 11-4-2-0, boosting her bankroll to $185,303.

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About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, one of the nation’s oldest racetracks, has been in operation since 1872. Located in New Orleans, La, Fair Grounds, which is owned by Churchill Downs Incorporated (NASDAQ Global Select Market: CHDN), also operates a slot-machine gaming facility and 13 off-track betting parlors throughout Southeast Louisiana. The 154th Thoroughbred Racing Season–highlighted by the 113th running of the Louisiana Derby–will run from Nov. 20, 2025 through March 22, 2026. More information is available online at www.fgno.com.