Button Down Racing’s “Dancer” Shows Promise in Return

After a 13-month layoff, Button Down Racing’s Button Dancer returned to the track in a tough maiden race at Keeneland on April 17. Showing no signs of the fractured tibia that necessitated the extended hiatus, the four-year-old daughter of Runaway Groom ran second in a field of 12 at the Lexington, Kentucky track.

 
Jockey Robby Albarado saw to it that Button Dancer prompted a lightning-fast first quarter in 20-4/5, then pushed her into the lead while posting a half-mile in :44-2/5. But in the final furlong, trainer Bobby Hess’s first-time starter, Earstoyou, ran by Button Dancer and went on to a 5-1/2 length win.

Speaking about the multiple owners of Button Dancer, Button Down President Michael Hardesty said, “We’re all happy. Our horse ran great. She wasn’t backing up; she was just passed by a really nice filly who was obviously ready to go.”

“Bill (trainer Connelly) said she was exhausted but okay physically. We can’t wait to race her at Churchill after she recoups,” Hardesty added. “It’s really nice to see one come back this well from so long on the shelf.”

Related posts:

1. Button Down Racing’s ‘Dancer’ Makes It Two In A Row
2. Button Dancer Dances For Button Down
3. Button Down Racing Has Big Night At Turfway
4. Button Down Racing’s Sun Button Gets It Done
5. Graded Stakes Winner Set to Return in Saturday’s Grade 1