Paco Lopez Hits 4,000th Win Milestone Aboard Governor Sam In Indian Summer

Bregman Family Racing and Swinbank Stables’ Governor Sam emerged from a tight pack shortly after the start to take the lead and never trailed again under Paco Lopez to hold on for a neck victory over Out On Bail in the Indian Summer (L) Presented by Keeneland Select.

The victory was the 4,000th of Lopez’s career, making him the 84th North American rider to reach that milestone. Five of those victories have come in Keeneland stakes.

Trained by George Weaver, Governor Sam covered the 5½ furlongs on the firm turf course in 1:02.72.

Governor Sam held a slim lead over Floodlites as they raced through fractions of :20.81 and :44.06. The running order remained unchanged until deep stretch when Floodlites began to retreat and Out On Bail loomed as the new danger only to come up short at the finish.

The victory was worth $141,438 for Governor Sam, who won his fourth consecutive race and third stakes. Now the earner of $334,288, Governor Sam is a Kentucky-bred son of Improbable out of the Into Mischief mare I’m Betty G.

Sent off as the favorite, Governor Sam returned $5.48 for the win.