A Heart-Pounding Triumph: Montador's Unstoppable Rise in the Woodchopper Stakes
Imagine the thrill of a horse charging from behind, defying the odds to claim victory in a prestigious race— that's exactly what unfolded on Saturday at the Fair Grounds, where Montador, sired by the talented Nyquist, etched his name into the annals of racing history. But here's where it gets controversial: in a sport often criticized for its competitive edges, how fair is it when a stablemate like Juris Doctor gets blocked in the final stretch? Let's dive into this exhilarating story and unpack the details that make horse racing both a spectacle and a topic of heated debate.
At exactly 4:55 pm, updated later at 5:00 pm, Montador burst forth with just a furlong remaining, surging ahead to clinch a maiden black-type victory over his stable companion, Juris Doctor, who hails from Constitution's lineage. For beginners in the sport, a black-type win isn't just any race—it's a graded stakes event that boosts a horse's reputation and pedigree value, marking a significant step up from ordinary competitions. Starting from a reserved position off the initial pace, Montador navigated two paths wide with ample cover along the backstretch. As they exited the three-eighths pole, he shifted outward into the third lane, launching a fierce assault from three wide inside the final furlong and essentially sealing the deal. Meanwhile, Juris Doctor, looking poised and powerful as he approached the quarter pole, couldn't carve out a clear path in the last two panels, yet still managed to secure second place for trainer Michael Stidham's exacta finish.
Winning rider Brian Hernandez Jr. summed it up perfectly: 'I was just along for the ride today,' he shared. 'This ride showcased Mike and his crew's hard work. My job was to provide the smoothest journey possible, and Montador handled the heavy lifting from there.' It's moments like these that highlight the synergy between horse and handler—though some might argue it's the trainer's strategy that truly decides the outcome, sparking discussions on whether jockeys get enough credit.
Delving into Montador's illustrious bloodline, Sheikh Mohammed's team snapped up his second dam, Hystericalady, for an eye-watering $3 million at the Keeneland November sale back in 2008—a record-breaking purchase that speaks volumes about the mare's potential. Hystericalady has produced six winners, including Lady Montdore, Montador's dam. Lady Montdore, herself a graded stakes-placed runner in France, returned to the U.S., where she triumphed in the Grade II Glens Falls Stakes and placed third in the Grade I Flower Bowl Stakes, racking up earnings of $318,642.
Montador's juvenile half-brother, Beekman Street from Street Sense, claimed his debut victory over a mile on the turf at the same track just on November 27, demonstrating the family's affinity for grass races. His two younger siblings add even more intrigue: a yearling colt named Strike Point by Not This Time, and a weanling filly sired by the legendary American Pharoah. Lady Montdore was recently bred back to Not This Time, hinting at future champions in the making. For a deeper look, check out the Equibase.com chart or the race video sponsored by FanDuel TV.
WOODCHOPPER S., $98,000, Fair Grounds, 12-27, 3yo, 1 1/16mT, 1:41.31, fm.
1–MONTADOR, 118, c, 3, by Nyquist
1st Dam: Lady Montdore (GSW & GISP-US, GSP-Fr, $318,642), by Medaglia d'Oro
2nd Dam: Hystericalady, by Distorted Humor
3rd Dam: Sacramentada (Chi), by Northair
1ST BLACK-TYPE WIN. O/B-Godolphin LLC (KY); T-Michael Stidham; J-Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr. $60,000. Lifetime Record: 7-3-2-0, $279,309.
2–Juris Doctor, 116, c, 3, Constitution –Romanticism, by War Front. 1ST BLACK-TYPE. ($450,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Pin Oak Stud; B-Ashview Farm & Colts Neck Stables (KY); T-Michael Stidham. $20,000.
3–Faber, 116, g, 3, Improbable–Disobedient, by Into Mischief. ($37,000 Ylg '23 KEESEP). O-Al & Bill Ulwelling; B-Anderson Farms Ont Inc & 552727 Ontario Ltd (ON); T-Gary M Scherer. $10,000.
Margins: 4 1/4, 1HF, HD. Odds: 1.10, 3.00, 26.80.
Also Ran: Savion, Joejoe Go, Flying Mohawk, Coco Cool.
Montador enjoyed a flawless journey in the Woodchopper S. at @fairgroundsnola! 🍀 @b_hernandezjr was in the saddle for trainer @stidhamracing!
🎥 #TwinSpiresReplay pic.twitter.com/6Yga8pawqF
— TwinSpires Racing 🏇 (@TwinSpires) December 27, 2025
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This piece falls under Top News and is tagged with Fair Grounds race results, Godolphin, Horse Racing, Hystericalady, Keeneland November, Lady Montdore, Montador, Woodchopper Stakes.
What do you think—does Montador's dominance hint at a future in graded stakes, or could Juris Doctor bounce back stronger? And speaking of controversy, with stablemates competing so closely, does this raise ethical questions about training practices in racing? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree that some horses get an unfair advantage, or is it all part of the thrilling unpredictability? And this is the part most people miss: how much does the jockey's skill versus the horse's raw talent tip the scales? We'd love to hear your take!
