Eleven Stitches Had Stewards’ Help in ’81

While critics might question the quality of horses Even The Score has defeated to be in position to become the second horse to sweep the Mervyn LeRoy Handicap, Californian and Hollywood Gold Cup at Hollywood Park, the same couldn’t be said about Eleven Stitches.

The only horse to win all three races, Eleven Stitches beat some top-notch performers in 1981.

A California-bred son of Windy Sands, Eleven Stitches began his roll with an upset at 8-1 odds in the second running of the LeRoy, named in honor of the famous movie producer/director who was Hollywood Park’s president for 34 years.

In winning by a neck under jockey Sandy Hawley, Eleven Stitches beat 17-10 favorite Glorious Song, the champion older filly or mare in 1980.

Dismissed at 9-1 odds in the Californian, Eleven Stitches prevailed by a head over Temperence Hill, the champion 3-year-old of 1980 and the 8-5 favorite.

When trainer Gary Jones was sidelined because of personal problems before the Gold Cup, assistant Donn Luby took over as Eleven Stitches’ trainer and the result was the same, although the 4-year-old needed help from the stewards to complete his sweep.

Going off at 8-1 in his final career start, Eleven Stitches finished second but was moved to first after Caterman was disqualified for interference.

The beaten favorite that afternoon was the legendary John Henry. He finished fourth at 6-5.

-- Bob Mieszerski