Landslide Farm's Spring Salute out-jumped a nine-horse field to capture the $50,000 Grade II Zeke Ferguson Memorial Handicap at Colonial Downs on Friday October 6th. Dismissed at 13-1, the grandson of Hoist the Flag romped to a 7 1/2 length victory over 33-1 shot Al Skywalker, keying a $388.40 exacta. The winner is trained by leading steeplechase trainer (measured by money-won) Sanna Neilson. Pompeyo (Chi), who is also trained by Ms. Neilson, finished third.

Spring Salute established a new stake record covering the 2 1/4 miles over a firm course in 3:59.31. He surpassed the previous record of 4:00.75 set by Dalton River in 1998. "I'm not surprised" said a thrilled Neilson after the race. "He ran well at Saratoga this year, and showed signs of being a good horse when he was younger. It's on to Far Hills and the Breeder's Cup now."

Winning jockey Craig Thornton kept Spring Salute in sixth place for most of the race before gradually moving him into contention down the backside the last time. Spring Salute split horses around the final turn and drew off from the rest of the field impressively. "He really jumped well" said Thornton in the winner's circle. "I taught him to jump back at Sanna's farm, and he showed today that he learned his lessons well."

For more on the Ferguson, including the complete order of finish, Click here. Steeplestakes.com