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2 - Breeder' s Cup Turf

Breeder’s Cup Turf:
High Chaparral and Johar in a thrilling finish.

It was one of the most awaited races of the year and the Breeder’s Cup lived up to the expectations in a remarkable day at Santa Anita. High Chaparral who was defending his title in the Breeder’s Cup Turf became one of very few who scored a double in past years.

Twelve minutes after the race, the stewards were still reading the photo finish before finally announcing that Aidan O’Brian’s High Chaparral retained his title but also shared first place with Richard Mandella’s, Johar. The pace was set Balto Star and The Tin Man in the early stages of race with High Chaparral and Falbrav bidding close to the leaders. Johar was kept off the pace, trailing last until the home straight. Falbrav took the contest in hand and went in the lead soon after entering the straight. Mick Kinane quickened High Chaparral and as both horses battled to the finish, Johar emerged from the outside to take part in that titanic clash. The three horses finished in the same stride and the photo finish could not separate Johar and High Chaparral. Kinane said after the race, “I thought I had won and was surprised that it was taking so long for them to call the result.” High Chaparral made up for his disappointing performance earlier this month in the Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp. 

Third placed, Falbrav finished third and jockey Darryll Holland said, “It was only in the last 20 yards that I felt he didn’t quite have more to give. I thought he would freewheel home but he didn’t quite stay.” Trainer Luca Cumani was not too disappointed as he reflected, “He only got beaten a head. We are very proud of him.” 

The Breeder’s Cup meeting started with a surprise win for the 40-1, Adoration, in the $2m Distaff race. Ridden by Patrick Valenzuela, Adoration flew past the finishing post with more than four and a half lengths on his closest opponent. The pillar to post tactic paid off for Valenzuela who could hardly retain his emotions once past the post. Sightseek, the 3-5 favourite, only managed a disappointing fourth. 

In the Breeder’s Cup Juvenile Fillies, Julie Krone, became the first female rider ever in Breeder’s Cup history to win a race at the famous meeting. On board favourite, Halfbridled, Krone, who was badly drawn in stall 14, was badly hampered on the first turn but managed to make up ground to emerge clear in the home turn. Trainer Mandella was full of praise for Krone, “Julie did a great job of finessing her around the first turn… It was a great ride.” It was Halfbridled fourth win in as many starts. 

Six Perfections exacted a perfect finish to his season by winning the Breeder’s Cup Mile. The French horse ridden by Jerry Bailey was reluctant to enter the stalls almost dismounting rider Bailey. Nevertheless, once the gates opened, the French filly regained her concentration to position herself in midfield. As the pace quickened, so did Six Perfections under a sensational ride from Jerry Bailey. The pair battled off a final dash from Touch of the Blues to win comfortably by three quarters of a length. Century City took third place. At 5-1, the Pascal- Barry trainer filly, did not disappoint this time, “She is so good at one mile. I was a bit worried on the first turn, but with the draw, Bailey figured to be behind. When he found his way, she was gone,” said Barry.

Britain’s Oasis Dream and Ireland’s Refuse to Bend could not manage the podium and settled for a disappointing tenth and eleventh place respectively. 

Sir Michael Stoute’s Islington became the fist British-trained winner of a Breeder’s Cup race after champion jockey Kieran Fallon rode her to victory in the Filly and Mare Turf. The four year old fought a wonderful battle with Irish-trained L’Ancresse in a head to head that always looked the grab of Islington. Yesterday, the other O’Brien representative took third place. Whilst Fallon was still enjoying his first Breeder’s Cup race win, trainer Stoute was already contemplating the Japan Cup for Islington’s final appearance before retiring her to stud.

(Yahia Nazroo)

BREEDER'S CUP TURF

(Groupe I)

2'000'000 $- 2400 m - turf