I Love Birdie soars late to capture Father’s Day Special Trophy
Patience and confidence finally paid off for the connections of I Love Birdie as the three-year-old bay colt won the 7th running of the $1.05-million Fathers’ Day Special Trophy on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
Bred, owned, and trained by Fitzroy Glispie with Reyan Lewis in the saddle, I Love Birdie broke his maiden in style over 7½ furlongs (1,500m) in 1:33.4 (24.0 x 47.0 x 1:12.4 x 1:26.3).
He broke well and settled, chasing Golden Ambassador with Eric Haughton just past the seven-furlong (1,400m) pole. I Love Birdie kept a steady rhythm down the backstretch, then let Prosperity Sen and Tyrese Anderson slip by entering the half-mile (800m) turn.
Turning for home, Lewis angled him wide and asked for more. That’s when the colt found another gear. Deep in the stretch I Love Birdie powered on, wore down Golden Ambassador, and got the bob at the wire by three-quarters of a length.
Prosperity Sen held third.
— Ruddy Allen
