BURNHAM SQUARE KEEPS ROLLING ON TURF, ADDS SECOND GRADE 1 IN ARLINGTON MILLION
Posted on August 3rd, 2026
Photo Credit: Coady Media
Photo Credit: Coady Media
Photo Credit: Coady Media
NEW KENT, Va. (Aug 1, 2026) — Whitham Thoroughbreds’ homebred Burnham Square added another signature victory to his growing resume by powering home in the Arlington Million on Festival of Racing Day at Colonial Downs. He defeated six older rivals by half a llength in the centerpiece of the meet.
Already a Grade 1 winner on dirt in the Blue Grass Stakes as a 3-year-old, Burnham Square has blossomed since switching to turf. The Arlington Million marked his fourth consecutive stakes victory, following wins in the Grade 2 Elkhorn, the Grade 3 Louisville and the listed Chorleywood.
Trained by Ian Wilkes and ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., Burnham Square covered 1 1/4 miles on the turf in 2:00.08.
“He’s made a great transition to turf,” Wilkes said. “He’s bred for turf, so that’s the biggest asset. And he’s got a great turn of foot. I knew this race would probably be my hardest to win of the other three (stakes he’s run so far this year), because the mile and a half is more his forte.”
Burnham Square broke sharply before settling near the rear as Layabout opened a clear lead through fractions of :24.18 and :48.85, with Gran Oriente tracking in second. Hernandez angled Burnham Square to the outside entering the far turn, and the favorite steadily advanced to join Layabout and Gran Oriente at the top of the stretch. Burnham Square surged past both leaders late to draw clear and secure the victory. Gran Oriente held off the late-closing Dresden Row by a nose for second, while Layabout was edged in a photo for fourth.
Burnham Square returned $3.60, $2.60 and $2.20. Gran Oriente paid $6.80 and $5.00, while Dresden Row returned $3.20.
The victory improved Burnham Square’s career record to 15-7-4-1 and increased his earnings to $2,883,644.
Additional Quotes
Paco Lopez, jockey of runner-up Gran Oriente (CHI)
“He ran very big. I thought we had a good chance down the stretch to win, but he gave me everything and proved he is a classy horse.”
Tyler Gaffalione, jockey of third-place finisher Dresden Row
“He was just starting to get going (late in the race). He had a lot of momentum and can carry it further than (10 furlongs). I was excited to ride him after seeing how well he finished last out in the Wise Dan.”
