OXO Equine LLC homebred Minaret Station (c, 4, Instilled Regard–Beau Recall {Ire}, by Sir Prancealot {Ire}), so often close but not seen in the winner's circle since the American Derby at Churchill more than 15 months ago, outkicked a host of top-level competitors to win Thursday's GI Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes at Belmont Park. The 1 1/2-mile contest was run over firm turf despite the nor'easter that postponed this race and the rest of Belmont's cards last Saturday and Sunday.Program Trading (GB) (Lope de Vega {Ire}) took command early and set controlled :25.40 and :51.37 fractions as the field bunched behind him and Minaret Station sat a comfortable fourth. El Cordobes (Ire) (Frankel {GB}) appeared to beg for room while covered up in third until finding a seam off the turn, but as he kicked clear, Minaret Station and 'TDN Rising Star, presented by Hagyard' Far Bridge (English Channel) each had a full head of steam. They swarmed El Cordobes, with Minaret Station on the far outside and Far Bridge on the inside, battling to the wire with the winner getting up by about a half-length. El Cordobes held for third after checking briefly. A stewards' inquiry arose into the stretch drive after crowding among the top three. No change to the order of finish was made.Minaret Station, winner of the GII Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes as a 2-year-old in 2024, was last seen finishing second in the GI Christophe Clement Turf Stakes Aug. 15 at Saratoga.O/B-OXO Equine LLC (KY); T-William Walden; J-Cristian A. Torres.MINARET STATION gets his first Grade 1 win in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic under @jose93_ortiz for trainer @wwaldenracing. pic.twitter.com/tMkCpYWoEz— NYRA () (@TheNYRA) October 1, 2026The post Minaret Station Wins Joe Hirsch Turf Classic appeared first on TDN | Thoroughbred Daily News | Horse Racing News, Results and Video | Thoroughbred Breeding and Auctions.