Arkansas resident Jerry Caroom has expanded his racing interests this year and he said the move has much to do with Hoonani Road. Hoonani Road, who had a chance to go over $500,000 in career earnings Saturday at Oaklawn in the Nodouble Stakes, has long been a flagship runner for Caroom. “I’ve always been a racing fan,” Caroom said. “I’ve been in the business [since 2014] but never had any real success – a winner here or there. But two years ago, Hoonani Road went 3-0 at Oaklawn – was undefeated here – and the money gave me a little fuel for the fire. He came back as a 4-year-old and went 4-0 at Oaklawn. “Hoonani Road won quite a bit of money, and the majority of that money, if not more, is invested back into the sport. It wasn’t my investment. It was returning money made at Oakawn into the business. I always planned to make 2020 a big year.” Caroom has won eight races this year with horses he owns himself, between Oaklawn, Sam Houston, and Santa Anita. He also has runners in partnership, among them Liam’s Pride, a half-brother to Grade 1 winner Morning Line who was a sharp maiden special weight winner earlier in the meet at Oaklawn. :: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Caroom’s horses are with number of trainers, including Wayne Catalano – who conditions Hoonani Road – Carl Deville, Jimmy DiVto, Neil Drysdale, and Doug O’Neill. Deville trains High On Gin, a multiple stakes winner for Caroom who in February was third in the Martha Washington at Oaklawn. Deville also has Destiny Way, who is a half-brother to Hoonani Road. Caroom’s runners with Drysdale include 3-year-old colts by Blame and Candy Ride. The barn also has Hello Bubbles for Caroom, who races the daughter of Munnings in partnership with Burt and Jane Bacharach. Caroom has a piece of Lazy Daisy, winner of the Grade 2 Pocahontas last year for O’Neill. O’Neill also is the trainer of Liam’s Pride. Caroom said the California connection is appealing on several different levels, including one that is personal. “I’ve got kids in California,” he said. “I might as well have some action out there.” Caroom owns a lighting manufacturing company based in Houston. He also has a water infrastructure company that provides meters for cities. He is a resident of Hot Springs, Ark. ◗ Oaklawn is not allowing jockey agents on the backstretch in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the racing office announced via text.