LAUREL, MD—In Zulu, the most widely spoken home language in South Africa, the word Isivunguvungu means “storm” in English.

At Laurel Park on Friday, South African-bred Isivunguvungu stormed down the stretch to edge a game Where’s Ray by half a length in a $56,000 allowance race at 5½ furlongs on the Fort Marcy Turf Course.

Trained by Graham Motion and ridden by Jorge Ruiz, Isivunguvungu made his first start of the year after going unraced since a sixth-place finish in Colonial’s Van Clief Stakes on August 9.

“That was really cool,” said Motion’s assistant trainer, Ian Wilson. “We thought he needed a little more time to get him to the races this year, and it obviously worked out well today.”

A true globe-trotter, Isivunguvungu was bred by Narrow Creek Farm and made his first 15 starts in his home country, where he won two Group 1 sprints. He is a son of What a Winter out of Miss Tweedy, by Tiger Ridge.

During the summer of 2024, Isivunguvungu brought a strong reputation to Motion’s barn. He immediately captured Colonial’s Da Hoss Stakes, then finished seventh, two lengths behind, in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.

Motion brought Isivunguvungu back to the races for a 2025 campaign that included a trip to Dubai for the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint. After finishing tenth, he returned to the United States, where he finished off the board in two stakes races.

Wilson felt the Dubai trip might have sapped Isivunguvungu’s strength.

“Anytime you take a horse over there, it is going to take a little something off him. He's not a young buck,” Wilson added.

Motion regrouped with the 8-year-old gelding. He entered Isivunguvungu in the Jim McKay Turf Sprint on Preakness Saturday, but decided to give his charge one more month before the seasonal debut.

It was the right move.

Where’s Ray bounced out to the lead and was pressured by Charles Town raider Pleasenthanku through an opening quarter in 22.19, before opening up a clear lead turning into the stretch.

Ruiz never seemed concerned, however, and he set Isivunguvungu down for the drive after an outside-tracking trip. Where’s Ray dug his toes into the turf, but Isivunguvungu’s class won by a half-length. Where’s Ray held Incinerator at bay by a neck for second. Saxton, Sky’s Not Falling, Dorado, and Pleasnthanku completed the order of finish.

Isivunguvungu, the betting favorite, returned $5 to win after completing the distance in 1:01.70 over the firm going.

“I don’t think he could have won much easier,” Wilson said. “Jorge really let him do it on his own for the most part. He’s a stakes horse.”

*Around the track:

Angel Cruz rode two winners on Friday’s card. He guided Butler Road to a gate-to-wire win in the opening race for trainer Tim Keefe. Cruz then returned to take the sixth aboard Endless Vow for trainer Horacio DePaz.

Live racing resumes Saturday with a 10-race “Summerfest” card featuring two $100,000 stakes races. Both the Ben’s Cat and Jameela Stakes are restricted to Maryland- and Virginia-bred or -sired performers and are run at six furlongs on the Fort Marcy Turf Course. They are part of a series of races featuring Maryland-bred or -sired runners. Along with special Maryland Million bonuses for Maryland-sired horses, Laurel Park is offering Maryland Million “Win, and You’re In” spots for the first time to any eligible horse that wins any of those races. There are two “Value Pick 5” wagers, each with a low 12% takeout. The first post time is 12 pm ET. Read the stakes advance here.

The free “Laurel Park Handicapping Guide” is available on every race day. It provides picks, analysis, trainer stats, trip notes, horses to watch, track bias info, and more from The Maryland Jockey Club’s team of handicappers. Saturday’s guide is available. Click here to view it.

Celebrate Father’s Day at Laurel Park with an unforgettable afternoon of live horse racing, hospitality, and prime race views. Treat Dad to a day at the races on Sunday, June 21, with an all-inclusive Father’s Day experience featuring thrilling live racing, great food, a wager voucher, and a complimentary Old Fashioned upon arrival. For ticketing and more information, visit here.

Never miss a second of the action on the Laurel Park YouTube channel. Click here to watch full pan and head-on replays.

Watch “Today at the Races,” the Maryland Jockey Club’s morning handicapping show every racing day at 11 am ET on the Maryland Jockey Club X account. Click here to watch.