Laurel Park: Mary Eppler saddles 800th winner

Trainer Mary Eppler, who became the first woman to win a training title at Laurel Park last year, saddled her 800th career winner when Our Independence won Friday’s eighth race.

 

Claimed for $20,000 by Eppler Aug., 26 at Monmouth Park, Our Independence won at first asking for Eppler, winning a $45,000 optional claiming event on the turf. It was the 5-year-old’s third consecutive victory.

           

“It was wonderful,” said Eppler of the win.

 

Asked why she claimed Our Independence, Eppler said: “Just the way he was running. He looked good. I watched him race before he won against Billy the Bull [July 14]. I claimed Billy that day but I couldn’t claim [Our Independence] so I had to wait until he raced at Monmouth.”

 

Eppler has been in Thoroughbred racing since 1979, when she left her job at Blue Cross Blue Shield.