Wootton Bassett Colt Captures Valuable Virginia Derby

Wootton Asset (3c Wootton Bassett - Love Liu, by Librettist) gained a deserved Stakes success on Tuesday when landing the Grade 3 Virginia Derby at Colonial Downs.

Jose Ortiz took the ride aboard Graham Motion’s charge in the $250,000 contest and switched the bay to the outside on the turn for home. Asserting approaching the final furlong, Wootton Asset was driven out to score by three parts of a length.

Speaking after the race, the winning trainer said, “He's a cool horse and he finally got his good ground. He hasn't done much wrong since he's been here. He came to this country to run on firm ground which is what he got today.”

Bred by Ecurie Haras Du Cadran and Madame P Ades-Hazan, Wootton Asset is now owned by Madaket Stables LLC. The son of Wootton Bassett won his first two starts in his native France last year and since being exported to the US, has been beaten a nose in a Stakes race and finished third in a Grade 3 contest.