Sonny’s Pharoah finally was claimed from us on September 24th after a 4th place finish when she had a very rough trip. While we wanted very much to see her leave our barn on a winning note, this filly was a lot of fun for us. After showing nothing as a two year old last season, she won three races this year while honoring the memory of Kenwood co-owner Darren Nebel (who named her for his late father) and his family. Darren died in a tragic auto accident on July 16th, leaving behind his devoted wife Barbara, his two boys Paul & Bryan and a large group of loving family and friends, including everyone in the Kenwood Racing family. Darren's spirit had to be guiding Sonny right to the winner's circle when she blew away the field to win going away by 11+ lengths on July 20th for her second career victory after her maiden win on June 30th.  Trainer Mark Salvaggio and Robb Levinsky prepared a tribute to Darren which the Penn announcer was kind enough to read before the race. He said among other things “I’m sure the entire Kenwood family is watching and cheering her on here and all over the country” and of that there could be no doubt.

Sonny won three times with a second in nine career starts for us (for Darren & his family!).