A McMahon Exacta in the Empire Classic

It was a memorable result for McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds on Empire Showcase Day, as two New York-bred stars, Bank Frenzy by Central Banker and Doc Sullivan by Solomini, finished first and second in the $250,000 Empire Classic Stakes at Belmont at the Big A. The race highlighted the depth of the New York breeding program and the continued influence of McMahon stallions across the state.

Bank Frenzy, a 5-year-old son of Central Banker, pressed the pace under Manny Franco before digging in late to win by a head, covering 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.08. Bred by Chester and the late Mary Broman and foaled at Chestertown Farm, he is trained by Rudy Rodriguez and owned by LSU Stables. The win marked his tenth career victory from twenty starts and fifth state-bred stakes score, increasing his earnings to $839,420.

Runner-up Doc Sullivan, by Solomini, once again showed his consistency and heart, making a strong move up the rail under Joel Rosario to just miss at the wire. Bred by Seamus Coughlan, trained by John Ortiz, and owned by Tristar Farm, the multiple stakes winner has now earned $589,090 while finishing in the top three in six of his last seven starts.

Empire Showcase Day, New York’s biggest day for state-breds, once again underscored the strength and versatility of the New York program. With Central Banker continuing his reign as one of the state’s leading sires and Solomini quickly establishing himself as one of its most promising young stallions, the one-two finish served as a proud moment for McMahon of Saratoga Thoroughbreds and all who support New York breeding.

Interested in breeding to one of our stallions for the 2026 breeding season? Contact us today! office@mcmahonthoroughbreds.com

Keywords: thoroughbred, racehorse, horse racing, new york bred, central banker, solomini, bucchero, saratoga, stakes winner