Romantic Jewel isn’t one of First Dude’s big moneymakers, but the 7-year-old mare is responsible for her sire getting his 998th victory since the start of his stud career.

    A mere $1,000 Timonium Mixed purchase in 2019, Romantic Jewel became First Dude’s 12th winner of 2024 with a game performance in a five-furlong test at Mountaineer Casino and Resort last night. With Bailey Weatherly aboard, the mare bred by Steve and Bryan Tucker was off third in the three path, quickly moved up to second coming to the turn and proved best by a neck after a hard-fought final eighth of a mile.

    She paid $3.60 and earned a check for $4,582, raising her career bank account to $60,035 on a record of 4-14-4 in 36 starts.