Imagine witnessing a racehorse shatter records and make history—that's exactly what happened when Haulin Ice, the unstoppable Arkansas-bred mare, stormed her way into the record books. But here's where it gets even more fascinating: her journey wasn't just about speed; it was about breaking barriers and redefining what's possible for a horse with deep local roots. Owner Mark Cornett, a seasoned racing enthusiast, returned to Oaklawn Park after years of absence, driven by one goal: to see Haulin Ice become the first Arkansas-bred to surpass $1 million in career earnings. And she didn't just meet expectations—she obliterated them.
On February 20, in the $150,000 Downthedustyroad Breeders' Stakes, Haulin Ice delivered a jaw-dropping 11 3/4-length victory, clocking the fastest 6 furlongs of the meeting at 1:08.75. This wasn’t just her 11th win in 20 starts; it was a testament to her dominance, pushing her earnings to $1,081,500. Five months after becoming the highest-earning Arkansas-bred in history, she proved her reign was far from over. Cornett, a Florida resident with deep ties to Arkansas racing, couldn’t contain his pride: 'I love this place. I call it the mini-Saratoga meet—it’s horse-friendly, and I’ve got roots here.'
But here’s the part most people miss: Haulin Ice’s success wasn’t an overnight phenomenon. Bred by Arkansan Eugenia Thompson-Benight and initially trained by Lindsay Schultz, she made her first five starts at Oaklawn in 2024 before Cornett’s C2 Racing Stable acquired her and sent her to Florida-based trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Under their guidance, she’s amassed seven stakes victories, including two in graded company, and even competed in the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) at Del Mar. Her rise began with a May 2024 allowance sprint at Oaklawn, where Cornett spotted her raw talent: 'She did some special things internally. I knew she could win a graded stakes—and she did.'
And this is where it gets controversial: While Haulin Ice’s achievements are undeniable, some argue that her success is as much about her trainers and owners as it is about her own ability. Is it fair to credit her historic earnings solely to her talent, or does her team’s strategic planning play an equally vital role? Let’s discuss in the comments.
Haulin Ice’s record-breaking moment came in the Princess Rooney Stakes (G3) at Gulfstream Park, where she surpassed Nodouble’s 1970 record of $846,749. At Oaklawn, she’s been nearly invincible, boasting a 7-2-0 record from nine starts and earning $695,300. Her 2025 Downthedustyroad win by 6 lengths in 1:10.26 was impressive, but her Friday performance shattered even that mark. 'She was just cruising,' Cornett said. 'She had more in the tank.'
Looking ahead, Joseph is prepping her for the $250,000 Matron Stakes on March 27, a race she dominated last year by 5 lengths. Cornett hints that this could be her Oaklawn swan song, with plans to retire her after this season and sell her at Fasig-Tipton’s November sale. Co-owned by Cornett, his brother Clint, WSS Racing, and Agave Racing Stable, Haulin Ice’s legacy is already cemented—but her story isn’t over yet.
Thought-provoking question for you: As Haulin Ice’s career winds down, should she be remembered as a product of her own talent or as a testament to the strategic brilliance of her team? Share your thoughts below!
