Esentepe wins for first time in U.S. at Betfair Hollywood Park

Esentepe won for the first time in the U.S., taking the $57,000 feature at Betfair Hollywood Park by 3 lengths on Thursday. Ridden for the first time by

Esentepe (left), now has career earnings of $149,984 with three wins in 20 starts :: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images

Esentepe won for the first time in the U.S., taking the $57,000 feature at Betfair Hollywood Park by 3 lengths on Thursday.

Ridden for the first time by Rafael Bejarano, Esentepe ran 1 1/16 miles on Cushion Track in 1:43.74 and paid $2.80, $2.60 and $2.10 as the 2-5 favorite. It was the Ireland-bred mare's fourth start in this country.

Plaza de Indias returned $6.20 and $3.40, while Miss Radiance was another 3 lengths back in third and paid $3.60 to show.

Bejarano also won the fifth race, leaving him two wins shy of 3,000 in his career.

Jockey Edwin Maldonado won the first three races on the card, leading all the way in each. All three winners were trained by Adam Kitchingman.

The victory increased Esentepe's career earnings to $149,984, with three wins in 20 starts.