ON Saturday, October 11, 2025, nine-year-old bay gelding God of Love proved age was just a number as he notched his second-consecutive win from three starts this season. This veteran performer, with a résumé boasting over $16 million in Stakes earnings, showed he’s still got plenty of fire in his belly.

God of Love had come off an easy, 6½-length win on a $500,000 claiming tag on August 23, and stepping down in class here, he didn’t miss a beat.

In the three-year-old and upward Optional Claiming ($350,000-$250,000) event over five furlongs (1,000m) on the round course — a race that included native-bred six-year-olds and upward (non-winners of three) and imported six-year-olds and upward (non-winners of two) — God of Love dominated, crossing the wire 3½ lengths ahead of his rivals.

Owned and trained by Fitzgerald Richards, God of Love got off to a strong start when apprentice rider Richie Shakes sent him through for the lead right from the off. As the race unfolded, God of Love entered the half-mile (800m) turn with
Jon P (ridden by Phillip Parchment) applying pressure, with the two horses drawing clear of the rest of the field as they approached the distance.

But God of Love, backed by a wealth of experience, wasn’t to be denied. Once straightened up in the lane he found an extra gear and kicked clear, cruising to an easy win. Jon P held on for second place while Buzz Assault (Garvin Harris) finished third. The clock stopped at 1:03.1.

With this victory God of Love (Adore The Gold – Shanda D) racked up his 18th career win from 70 starts.