MATCH RACE - Quarter Horse -vs- Thoroughbred

After the first match race in Santa Anita history, John Sadler couldn't help but gloat a bit Saturday.

Valiant Pete's trainer had every reason. His 5-year-old gelding did what most horsemen and handicappers felt he couldn't do--beat the quarter horse Griswold.

Despite being a half-length behind after the break, Valiant Pete stayed in close contact outside the 5-year-old Merridoc gelding, then won a stretch battle by a neck in 44 1/5 seconds for the four furlongs. His time equaled the world record for the distance.

Along with satisfaction came a healthy reward for Sadler and owners John Coelho and Pete Valenti. The purse for the match was $100,000, winner take all.