Brief
Two Belmont‑Park Colts Named for Late NHL Star Johnny Gaudreau Run Same Race
The colts, owned by Vincent Conanan and Devon Bradley, will race in a Grade 1 Champagne Stakes that offers a Breeders’ Cup Juvenile berth.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Two two‑year‑old colts named after the late NHL star Johnny Gaudreau are set to run together in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park on Saturday, Oct. 3, the Associated Press reported.
What happened
The horses—Johnny Hockey, owned by Vincent Conanan of Next Level Stables, and Gaudreau, owned by Devon Bradley of Bradley Thoroughbreds—were entered in the same race. Both colts were foaled in the winter of 2024, roughly a month apart, and will compete against four other runners for a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.
What the reports add
The AP story notes that the Champagne Stakes winner qualifies for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, a key race for future Kentucky Derby contenders. It also mentions that Gaudreau previously won his debut at Saratoga on Aug. 8, 2026, with jockey Flavien Prat aboard.
What was said
Bradley said, “Is that not bananas?” while Conanan added, “Hopefully we can run 1‑2 this weekend, either way. I know Johnny’s looking down and he sees it.” Both quotations are attributed to the Associated Press.
How it came about
Conanan, who grew up playing hockey with Gaudreau, decided to name a racehorse after the player after his son repeatedly asked about “Johnny Hockey.” Bradley, who attended school in Columbus, Ohio, where Gaudreau spent his final two NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets, independently chose the same tribute. Their shared homage brings the two colts together for the first time on the same track.
Key facts
- Two colts named Johnny Hockey and Gaudreau will race together in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park on Oct. 3. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Both horses were foaled in the winter of 2024, about a month apart. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- The Champagne Stakes winner earns a berth in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Gaudreau won his debut at Saratoga on Aug. 8, 2026, with jockey Flavien Prat. (winnipegfreepress.com)
- Vincent Conanan owns Johnny Hockey; Devon Bradley owns Gaudreau. (winnipegfreepress.com)
Sources
- [1] winnipegfreepress.com — originally reported as “There are two horses named in memory of Johnny Gaudreau and they're running in the same race”
