Horses Named Johnny Hockey and Gaudreau to Compete in Stakes Race

Two racehorses, named Johnny Hockey and Gaudreau, will compete head-to-head in the Grade 1 Champagne Stakes at Belmont Park, honoring the memory of the late NHL player Johnny Gaudreau.

Vincent Conanan, owner of Next Level Stables, named his yearling Johnny Hockey after the former NHL star. He was inspired by his young son's admiration for "Johnny Hockey" and his own past interactions with Gaudreau. Devon Bradley of Bradley Thoroughbreds independently chose the name Gaudreau for another yearling, influenced by Gaudreau's time playing in the Columbus, Ohio, area.

Both colts were born in early 2024, approximately a month apart. The late Johnny Gaudreau and his brother, Matthew, died on August 29, 2024, after being struck by a vehicle while riding bicycles near their New Jersey home, an event that deeply saddened the sports community and beyond.

Bradley said he registered both names with the Jockey Club after being moved by the tributes to Gaudreau. He was further inspired by an Olympic event where U.S. players carried Gaudreau's children onto the ice with his jersey after winning a gold medal. Bradley's horse, Gaudreau, is owned in partnership with Tanglewood Thoroughbreds, Thirty Year Racing, Rodeo Creek Racing, Laura Leigh Stable, and Swift Thoroughbreds.

Conanan recalled that his trainer described his horse as having a "big heart" and always trying hard, which reminded him of Gaudreau's playing style. "Johnny as a kid, he wasn’t the biggest player, but he had the biggest heart," Conanan said. "So, I was, like, ‘This horse, I think he’s going to be the one.'"

Gaudreau, trained by Chad Brown and ridden by jockey Flavien Prat, won its debut race on August 8 at Saratoga Race Course. Johnny Hockey secured its first victory on August 9 at Monmouth Park in its fifth career start.

The winner of the Champagne Stakes qualifies for the Breeders' Cup Juvenile, a championship race that can offer insights into potential Kentucky Derby contenders for the following spring. Conanan expressed hope that both his horse and Johnny Hockey could finish first and second, adding, "I know Johnny’s looking down and he sees it."

If Johnny Hockey achieves an upset victory, Conanan plans to invite Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau's parents, Guy and Jane Gaudreau, to the Breeders' Cup. "This horse is something special," Conanan said. "I know he’ll go out there and do his best, the same way Johnny would."