Vekoma colt gets third stakes win in Gulfstream Park thriller
June 6, 2026
Rolando battled back gamely in deep stretch to win a three-horse photo in the Big Drama H. June 6 at Gulfstream Park.
With the victory, the 4-year-old Vekoma colt has three stakes wins to his credit, including last year’s Hutcheson S. Vekoma now has nine stakes winners in 2026 and leads the Third-Crop sire list with over $5.7 million in progeny earnings.
Ridden with purpose from the outset, Rolando battled for the lead down the backstretch 0with Concrete Glory, then took over the top spot soon after going into the turn. He was quickly engaged by Pure Class, who took a short lead turning for home. The duo raced almost even down the stretch, with Back Em Up joining them in deep stretch for the blanket finish, which Rolando won by a nose over Back Em Up and a neck over Pure Class.
Campaigned by his owner/breeder Saint George Stables, LLC, Rolando is 6-1-3 in 16 starts and has earned $368,932. Rolando is the first foal out of Mixteca, who is a half-sister to $3 million earner, five-time Grade 1 winner and champion Older Mare Letruska.