Driving Money keeps record perfect with win in Kendrick Stakes
FARMINGTON — Judge Lanier Racing’s Driving Money found a late burst of energy under jockey Luis Valenzuela to win the $70,000 C.O. Ken Kendrick Stakes on Sunday, closing day of the 2026 racing season at SunRay Park and Casino.
Trained by Dick Cappellucci, Driving Money dueled for the early lead with stablemate Vanishing Money in the 6 1/2 furlong event, appeared to lose the lead midway around the far turn but found another gear in the final 100 yards to slip past Equity Search to win by a half-length. Driving Money stopped the clock with a final time of 1 minute, 18.97 seconds.
Driving Money, now perfect in two career starts after breaking his maiden by seven lengths over this course on April 25, is a 3-year-old son of Conquest Mo Money bred by McKenna Thoroughbreds. He is one of six thoroughbreds to win twice this season at Sunland Park, including fellow registered New Mexico-bred Corrina Corrina.
The win in the C.O. Ken Kendrick Stakes puts Driving Money’s career earnings at more than $60,000.
Sent off at odds of 9.60-to-1, Driving Money returned $21.20 to his winning backers. The $2 exacta with post-time favorite Equity Search paid back $47.40. Cappellucci-trained Vanishing Money settled for third with Awesome Glory rounding out the top four finishers.