Great Venezuela nearing $500,000 via 10th victory

Every thoroughbred owner and trainer would exult in having a runner in the barn with a record even approaching that of Great Venezuela. The people at owner/breeder Orlyana Farm must certainly feel that way – the 5-year-old mare by Neolithic, after winning at five furlongs on the grass at Gulfstream Park, raised her eye-opening slate to 10-4-5 in 21 starts.

Diego Herrera was aboard Great Venezuela in the $62,500 allowance claimer, and she broke out quickly from the No. 8 post, battling for the lead in the 2 path through a sizzling quarter in :21.03 and a half in :43.22. On the turn she took a slim lead, then continued on to a neck victory in :55.02, less than two seconds off the course record. She paid $4.00 and earned a check for $40,100, spiking her career total to $493,220. She became her sire’s 41st winner of 2026.