Houston Astros player gets first racing win at Churchill Downs

Two-time World Series-winning third basemen Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros became a winning horse owner Wednesday at Churchill Downs when his family’s 2-year-old filly Goldblooded was victorious in her third-career start.

Bregman was in attendance with his wife, Reagan, their 3-month-old son, Knox, and several other family members for the victory.

“We’ve been at this for about a year and it’s the first time we’ve been able to watch one of our horses in person,” Bregman said. “We got in town about 45 minutes before the race and got over here just in time to check out Goldblooded in the paddock. Then we got to watch the race with (trainer) Rusty (Arnold), my wife, son and in-laws.

“This is surreal to watch (Goldblooded) go on to win like that. In the World Series with two outs in the ninth inning, you’re not as nervous as this. Being a player is just sort of what you do. Here you’re watching your horse run, freaking out, sweating and hearts beating. This is what it’s all about. This is my first time here at Churchill, and it’s unbelievable.”

Goldblooded officially tallied a 3 1/2-length victory with jockey Martin Garcia in the irons in the maiden $150,000 claiming event. Goldblooded earned $40,980 for her victory and awarded bettors with an $8.74 return. This was Goldblooded’s first start on the dirt. In her previous two starts, the Goldencents filly finished eighth and third on the turf at Kentucky Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, respectively.

It’s been a good four weeks for Bregman after helping the Astros win their second World Series in the last six years. The 28-year-old is signed with the Astros through 2024.

“That’s always the hope, to make it to the World Series,” Bregman joked. “We’ve got a good group of guys to try and get back there.”