LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Staten Islander Chris Mancusi has seen hundreds of races as head coach of the St. Joseph by-the-Sea cross country and track teams, but one of the most memorable came this past weekend — thanks to his own horse, Double Your Money.

Taking the starting gate Saturday at the hallowed Churchill Downs for the Claiming Crown Jewel —often called the pinnacle of claiming races — Mancusi’s horse went off at roughly 10-1, yet delivered a spectacular performance to take first place.

Claiming races differ from the high-profile stakes races often seen on TV: in these races, horses are essentially for sale at a set price, allowing trainers and owners to balance competition with strategy and investment.

Thanks to Double Your Money’s performance, Mancusi —who entered the horse claimin

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