There’s something special about redemption on the racetrack — that moment when a familiar name flashes back to the top, proving she still has the heart of a champion. On a golden Friday afternoon at Del Mar, it was Queen Maxima who delivered that moment, storming home to take the $200,000 Senator Ken Maddy Stakes by a clear length, marking a triumphant return to form for trainer Jeff Mullins and jockey Juan Hernandez.
A Confident Comeback
For a filly who once strung together five consecutive wins, including the Unbridled Sydney at Churchill Downs, the summer slump had been difficult to watch. Sixth-place finishes in both the Osunitas and the Grade 3 Green Flash Handicap hinted at fatigue — but Mullins had faith. After a short freshening, Queen Maxima came back sharp, calm, and clearly ready to remind everyone what she’s capable of.
Breaking smoothly, Hernandez settled her mid-pack, about four lengths off the early pace, before momentarily checking behind Great Venezuela at the three-eighths pole. Once clear, Queen Maxima was unleashed three wide, cutting into the leaders with her trademark acceleration.
Ahead of her, Wesley Ward’s Shoot It True had taken command from fading pacesetter Jungle Peace. But when Hernandez gave the cue, Queen Maxima lengthened her stride powerfully down the lane, outkicking Shoot It True to win by one length.
“She was full of run,” Mullins said. “All she needed was room. When Juan angled her out, I knew she had a big head of steam coming — she looked every bit her old self.”
The Field and Finish
Luan Machado rode Shoot It True gamely into second, three-quarters of a length ahead of Nay V Belle, who found racing room late under Umberto Rispoli. The top trio finished well clear of the rest.
Final fractions read 22.32 and 45.29, with a finishing time of 56.57 for the five-furlong turf sprint — solid proof that the Senator Ken Maddy Stakes remains one of the sharpest tests for California-bred or sired mares under the CTBA’s Golden State Series banner.
Queen Maxima returned $4.80, $2.80, and $2.10. Shoot It True paid $3.20 and $2.40, while Nay V Belle returned $2.60 to show.
Back to Her Best
For Hernandez, who has partnered her through both triumphs and trials, the race meant more than numbers. “She’s back again,” he said with a smile. “She was really sharp in the mornings, and today she showed that spark again. I had to check a little at the three-eighths, but once I got her clear, she just took off. It’s great to feel that confidence again.”
The victory lifts Queen Maxima’s record to 12 starts: 7 wins, 2 seconds, and career earnings of $570,460 for owners Dutch Girl Holdings and Irving Ventures LLC.
“This was the race she needed to find her rhythm again,” Mullins added. “We’ll see where she goes from here — but she’s back.”
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