Wendelssohn Feasts at Fair Grounds in Thanksgiving Classic
NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 27, 2025) – Ruis Racing’s homebred Wendelssohn feasted on eight foes in the 101st running of the $175,000 Thanksgiving Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Trained by Chris Hartman, the 4-year-old tracked the two leaders before launching his bid in the stretch, looking the 9-5 favorite Komorebino Omoide in the eye at the sixteenth pole, and powering past to win the six-furlong sprint by 1 ½ lengths. Piloted by Marcelino Pedroza Jr., Wendelssohn stopped the clock in 1:09.66.
“The trip worked out perfectly,” Pedroza said. “I didn’t think Komorebino Omoide would be the one I’d have to run down, but I waited in a great spot, tipped out and set my horse down for a nice run. Thank you to the connections for the opportunity. My horse was there for me today.”
Komorebino Omoide held on for second, and Donegal Clan finished third.
Sent off at 5-1, Wendelssohn returned $12.20, $5.40 and $4.80.
Earning his second stakes victory, Wendelssohn now sports a career record of 15-5-2-2 with a bankroll of $469,451.
Live racing at Fair Grounds continues Friday with a 9-race card. A deep and competitive group of 12 fillies and mares is entered for Saturday’s $100,000 Pan Zareta Stakes, a 5 1/2-furlong turf sprint for 3-year-olds and up. The race features the return of last year’s top two finishers: winner Accomplished Girl and runner-up Cupid’s Crush. Post time both days is 12:45 p.m. CT.
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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.
