South African-bred mare Gimme a Nother continued her upward trajectory in the United States on Saturday, securing a second consecutive graded stakes victory when landing the Grade 3 Eatontown Stakes at Monmouth Park. The win further enhanced a record that now stands at nine victories and three runner-up finishes from 13 career starts.

Ridden by Jorge Ruiz, Gimme a Nother returned $4.40 to win after stopping the clock in 1:42.90 for the mile-and-a-sixteenth contest on turf. The result followed her previous graded stakes success and underlined the progress she has made since arriving in North America after an unbeaten South African campaign.

Perfectly Executed Tactics

Assistant trainer Ian Wilson said the race unfolded almost exactly as connections had anticipated. While there had been some expectation that Gimme a Nother could find herself setting the pace based on her recent racing pattern, the eventual scenario proved equally favourable.

Wilson noted that longshot Creative Stuff was allowed to dictate matters early, enabling Ruiz to secure an ideal stalking position.

“It was a perfect trip,” Wilson said. “We thought she might end up on the lead the way she has been running her last couple of starts, but it was fine that he let that longshot (Creative Stuff) set the pace with her right behind in slow fractions. There wasn’t a ton of speed in the race so Jorge (Ruiz) did exactly what we wanted him to do.”

Adapting To A New Environment

The victory also highlighted the mare’s successful transition from South African racing to the highly competitive American circuit. After winning all seven of her starts in South Africa during 2023 and 2024, she required time to find her footing in a new environment before emerging as a graded stakes performer.

Wilson pointed to that adjustment period as a significant factor, noting that Southern Hemisphere horses often face challenges when adapting to racing conditions in the United States.

“She does know how to win, that’s for sure,” Wilson said. “She was undefeated in South Africa before she came here. She had a bit of a slow start to her career in the United States but lately she has not done anything wrong. Even in her defeats she was very good.”

His next observation was particularly significant, offering insight into the challenges faced by imported runners.

“With the Southern Hemisphere horses it is quite a transition bringing them to the United States. We’ve done it in the past with South American horses, not so much horses like this from South Africa. It does take them a little time to get accustomed. It’s not an easy thing.”

Now a dual graded stakes winner in America, Gimme a Nother has firmly established herself among the leading turf mares in her division, while continuing to showcase the quality of South African form on the international stage.

Gimme A Nother is now a 6 years old mare by Gimmethegreenlight - Nother Russia by Tiger Ridge Owned by Newstead Stable LLC and Trained by Graham Motion. She was bred at Wilgerbosdrift and Mauritzfontein.