Post Time ends career with last to first effort in Robert T. Manfuso

Post Time ran down archrival Barbadian Runner in the Laurel Park stretch Saturday to win the $100,000 Robert T. Manfuso Stakes, the final start of his distinguished career.

For 10 weeks, Post Time's connections had smarted over his second-place finish to Barbadian Runner in the Maryland Million Classic. The defeat ended Post Time's Laurel mastery after 11 consecutive victories and delayed his retirement.

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Owner Ellen Charles concluded with trainer Brittany Russell that Post Time deserved a shot at redemption.

"The Maryland Million will forever haunt me," said jockey Sheldon Russell, the trainer's husband.

Post Time, the feisty gray 2024 Maryland-bred horse of the year, faced Barbadian Runner, the even-tempered $5,000 yearling who had overachieved to dazzling lengths, nearing $800,000 in earnings for AJ Will Win Stables and trainer Henry Walters.

Post Time had more rest heading into the Manfuso than he did for the Classic, and his connections brimmed with confidence. Then the gates opened, and Post Time shambled out well behind four rivals.

"He's quirky," Sheldon Russell said. "It's weird – when he's in between horses, he almost shies when the gates open. Then he's slowly into stride."

Through the backstretch and around the far turn, Sheldon Russell kept Post Time close to the rail and tightly reined as West Virginia-based stakes winner Teachintherelease set a moderate pace over Hittheroadjack and Federico Tesio winner Pay Billy.

Forest Boyce, often complimentary of her mount's versatility, had Barbadian Runner tucked inside, a few lengths ahead of Post Time. Toward the homestretch, both started advancing.

Leaving the far turn, Boyce sent Barbadian Runner between the rail and Teachintherelease and onto the lead.

As Barbadian Runner seemed poised to pull away, Sheldon Russell angled Post Time three-wide and threaded an opening between horses. The favorite advanced on the leader, moved past Barbadian Runner well into the stretch and reached the wire 1 1/4 lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:44.54 for 1 1/16 miles. Pay Billy finished a distant third.

The outcome triggered swells of emotion. Boyce, who had ridden masterfully in a second-place finish, smiled on her way to the jockeys' room and said, "That was a good race."

In the Laurel winner's circle, principals dried their eyes as congratulations and questions flourished.

Brittany Russell, Maryland's dominant trainer the past three years, saw her old workplace in a new light Saturday.

"From the moment, watching him walk into the paddock, I was an emotional wreck," she said. "I did something different: I took some time, watched him walk and savored the moments."

After the 5-year-old Post Time delivered his 13th victory in 23 starts and bumped his earnings to $1,558,705, Brittany Russell wiped her eyes and said, "He's taught me a few things. If I ever get another one like him, I'll know to enjoy every single step. These horses are hard to come by."

Sheldon Russell said, "He's taken me to places I never thought I would go," dabbed at tears and kissed Charles on the cheek.

Charles said she had considered pinhooking Post Time before he raced until a serendipitous look at his pedigree convinced her otherwise. Post Time's granddam was named Merriweather. Charles's grandmother was Marjorie Merriweather Post, the socialite daughter of cereal magnate C.W. Post.

Brittany Russell added, "It's going to be fun to watch those Post Time babies coming into the barn."

"Let's hope they act better than he did as a 2-year-old," her husband countered.

A son of Frosted, Post Time will begin stud duty next year at Northview Stallion Station, standing for $4,000.

In the aftermath outside the winner's circle, Northview General Manager David Wade informed assistant trainer Emma Wolfe that a van would take Post Time to his new home in Chesapeake City, Md., on Friday.