Proud Puppy

Inducted 2001

1986 b.m. by Proud Appeal - Puppy Love
12 wins in 28 starts from age 2 to 5
Career Earnings: $402,543

New York State Champion 2-year-old Filly in 1988

Proud Puppy wasted no time in making a name for herself at Finger Lakes in 1988, as she went a perfect four-for-four as a 2-year-old, and earned New York State Champion 2-year-old Filly honors. Following a convincing 13 length victory in her maiden race, Proud Puppy took the Lady Finger Stakes by 10 lengths, before capturing the New York Breeders' Futurity over the boys. Her victory in the Futurity marks one of only eight victories by fillies in the 39-year history of the race to this date. Finishing out her amazing run as a 2-year-old, Proud Puppy took the Eastview Stakes at Aqueduct. Continuing her dominance in 1989 as a 3-year-old, Proud Puppy won seven of 11 starts, including four more stakes victories at Finger Lakes by a combined total of 35 ¾ lengths. Owned by Paul E. Labe, Sr., Proud Puppy won 10 of the 11 stakes she was entered in throughout her career. Six of those stakes victories were at Finger Lakes, with John Grabowski in the irons. The filly finished her career with eight trips to the winners' circle in 10 starts at Finger Lakes. The Proud Puppy Handicap was established as an annual stakes at Finger Lakes in 1999 in her honor.