July 23, 2023 — Philip D’Amato is a heavy hitter when it comes to turf racing and the 47-year-old trainer hit a grand slam Sunday at Del Mar, sending out the top four finishers in the $250,000 Grade II Eddie Read Stakes.
“I think I’ve come in 1-2-3, but I don’t ever recall 1-2-3-4,” D’Amato said in the winner’s circle after jockey Hector Berrios rode 9-2 shot Gold Phoenix to the victory. “I love this race. The Eddie Read has been very good to me over the years. I’ve won it a few times with some really nice horses and it’s just special to win it again.”