A pair of horses named in honor of a beloved NHL All-Star took center stage at Belmont Park’s prestigious Grade 1 Champagne Breeders Cup qualifier, with one finishing just shy of the lead in a hard-fought race. The runner, despite its strong pedigree, settled for second place after a competitive battle, showcasing the depth of talent in the field. Fans and racing enthusiasts will be watching closely to see how these horses—both named after the late star—perform in future high-stakes events. The race underscored the enduring connection between sports legends and the world of thoroughbred racing.

Gaudreau, one of two horses named for late NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau that ran the Grade 1 Champagne Breeders Cup qualifier on Saturday at Belmont Park, finished just off the pace, placing second in ...