Story Summary
Gaudreau, a two-year-old thoroughbred named in honour of late NHL All-Star Johnny Gaudreau, finished second in the Grade 1 Champagne Breeders’ Cup qualifier at Belmont Park on Saturday.
The horse is owned by Vincent Conanan of Next Level Stables, who played youth hockey against Gaudreau. Another horse in the same race, Johnny Hockey, was entered by Devon Bradley of Bradley Thoroughbreds in Columbus, Ohio. The pair ran first and second into the final turn before Johnny Hockey dropped back and Gaudreau was passed for the lead.
Key Facts
- Gaudreau finished second in the Grade 1 Champagne Breeders’ Cup qualifier at Belmont Park.
- The race was for two-year-old horses born in 2024.
- U.S.S. Valor won the race and secured a place in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile in Lexington on 30 October.
- Gaudreau is owned by Vincent Conanan of Next Level Stables, who grew up playing youth hockey against Johnny Gaudreau.
- Conanan named the horse after his son repeatedly asked about the former Calgary Flames and Columbus Blue Jackets forward.
- Devon Bradley entered Johnny Hockey, another horse named in tribute to Gaudreau, in the same race.
- Johnny Hockey was bred by Bradley Thoroughbreds of Columbus, Ohio, where Gaudreau spent two seasons.
IHM Discussion
The race produced an unusual double tribute to Johnny Gaudreau, with two separately owned horses carrying names connected to his “Johnny Hockey” identity. Conanan’s explanation for choosing the name centred on Gaudreau’s stature and competitive character as a young player, while Bradley said he wanted a name with meaning and presence.
For hockey followers, the detail that the horses briefly occupied the first two positions adds a striking sporting moment to tributes that extend beyond the rink. Gaudreau ultimately held on for second, while Johnny Hockey faded after the final turn.
Why It Matters
Johnny Gaudreau’s name remains closely associated with the skill, imagination and competitive spirit that defined his NHL career. The two horses’ appearance in a major race reflects how widely that connection continues to resonate, including with people whose link to him began in youth hockey or in Columbus.
Mini Q&A
Which horse finished second at Belmont Park?
Gaudreau, the horse owned by Vincent Conanan of Next Level Stables, finished second in the Grade 1 Champagne Breeders’ Cup qualifier.
Why are two horses named for Johnny Gaudreau?
Conanan named Gaudreau after the late NHL forward following questions from his son, while Devon Bradley chose Johnny Hockey as a meaningful name for his horse.
IHM Final View
Gaudreau’s second-place finish did not earn the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile place secured by U.S.S. Valor, but the race delivered a memorable tribute to Johnny Gaudreau. Two horses named in his honour sharing the lead into the final turn gave the occasion a distinctive hockey connection.