Taj Mahal took the lead right out of the starting gate and turned back a late challenge from Let’s Go Lando in the stretch to win the $100,000 Miracle Wood Stakes by a determined neck at Laurel Park on Saturday, Feb. 21.
Making his Stakes debut in just his second career start, the three-year-old son of Nyquist broke alertly under jockey Sheldon Russell and went right to the lead. As the field raced down the backstretch in the one-turn mile contest, Taj Mahal cruised along on a comfortable two-length lead as the rest of the field jostled for position behind him.
Let’s Go Lando began his move as the field entered the far turn, closing steadily on Taj Mahal from third. The pair then hooked up at the top of the lane and began to separate themselves from the rest of the field, locked in a battle all to themselves. Taj Mahal continued to hold a slight advantage through the final furlong, eventually edging clear of his rival nearing the wire to win by a neck.
Taj Mahal was bred in Florida by Vegso Racing Stable and was a $525,000 purchase at the 2024 Keeneland September yearling sale. He is out of Oola Gal, a Stakes-placed daughter of Quality Road and is from the immediate family of Graded Stakes winners Cat Fighter and Ishiguru.
Taj Mahal is the fourth Stakes winner of 2026 for his sire, Nyquist, who is also represented by Graded Stakes winners Knightsbridge (G3 Fred W. Hooper S. and G3 Mr. Prospector S.), David of Athens (G3 Jebel Ali Mile), and Stakes winner Coffee Connection (Borderplex Stakes). Not to be overlooked is the brilliant Nysos, recently a sharp second in the G1 Saudi Cup.
Nyquist is standing the 2026 season at Jonabell Farm for $175,000, stands and nurses.
