Sonny’s Pharoah ran in race 3 on July 20th at Penn National to honor the memory of Darren Nebel (who named her last year as a two year old in loving memory of his late father). 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 by 11+ widening lengths. 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 can be no doubt.

Nothing can take away the sadness we all feel at Darren’s loss, but hopefully this beautiful moment gave his family just a tiny bit of peace. Sonny has now won two in a row for us (for Darren & his family!). If ever there was a fitting moment for a horse to win it was this. Darren would have absolutely loved the tribute and the moment, and the filly did him proud. We will all miss him and hope for her to keep safe, healthy and make many more visits to the winner’s circle. “