Jerry and Geri Show Proves a Winner in Citation Handicap

Jockey Jerry Bailey lost a good friend to retirement a year ago and said goodbye to another on Saturday.

Unlike Cigar, who was beaten in the 1996 Breeders’ Cup Classic in his final start, Geri went out on top under Bailey, winning the $300,000 Citation Handicap at Hollywood Park.

“Last year, I lost Cigar, and Geri this year and I don’t know what I’m going to have to look forward too next year,” said Bailey after the 9-10 favorite beat 29-1 shot Mufattish by nearly two lengths in 1:48 1/5 for the 1 1/8 miles on turf. “I hate to see [Geri] go.”

Owned by Allen Paulson and trained by Bill Mott, the five-year-old Theatrical horse retires with nine wins in 19 starts and earnings of $1,707,980.

Moved to the outside by Bailey on the backstretch, where the rider thought the footing was better, Geri took the lead entering the stretch and won for the third time in six tries on grass.

The longest shot in the field of six, Mufattish finished a length ahead of Martiniquais, then came Magellan, El Angelo and Bienvenido.

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Mantles Star made a successful U.S. debut for trainer Kathy Walsh, edging past F J’s Pace in the final yards to win the $250,000 Generous Stakes by a length Saturday.

Victorious in one of five starts in England, the 2-year-old Beveled colt completed the mile on a good course in 1:36 3/5 under Chris McCarron for the Budget Stable and trainer Kathy Walsh.