Cubs infielder Alex Bregman's horse wins at Churchill Downs, then gets claimed by new owners
Chicago Cubs' Alex Bregman, right, celebrates his home run with third base coach Quintin Berry, left, during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Chicago. Credit: AP/Melissa Tamez
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Alex Bregman and his Chicago Cubs teammates celebrated the third baseman's horse winning a race at Churchill Downs.
It was short-lived, however, when the horse was claimed by new owners afterward.
Act of Parliament overcame a troubled start under jockey Axel Concepcion and rallied to win by three-quarters of a length on Thursday. The 3-year-old colt paid $8.68 to win.
"It was electric,” winning trainer Will Walden said. “To have Alex and the entire team here and then have the horse come through like that made it a pretty special night.”
The Cubs visited the historic Louisville track on their off day before opening a three-game set at Cincinnati on Friday.
Cubs MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong delivered a pep talk to Act of Parliament in the paddock before the race. Cubs manager Craig Counsell led the colt into the winner's circle afterward.
Several Cubs rookies dressed in racing-themed costumes, including pitcher Ryan Rolison, who donned a horse costume, and Pedro Ramirez, who dressed as a jockey.
Chicago Cubs' Alex Bregman hits an RBI double during the first inning of a baseball game against the Atlanta Braves, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Chicago. Credit: AP/Melissa Tamez
Bregman Family Racing, the ballplayer's stable, bought Act of Parliament for $65,000.
The colt earned $27,108 for his first career victory. But Bregman lost him in the claiming race.
Act of Parliament was claimed for $20,000 afterward in a random blind draw used to break a tie when six different owners submitted bids beforehand to buy the colt. He was then transferred to a new trainer.
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