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| Staff Writer |
Del Mar's championship Saturday delivered compelling drama across nine Grade 1 contests, headlined by Sierra Leone's masterful triumph in the Classic to give trainer Chad Brown his first success in America's richest race. The afternoon showcased racing's global appeal, with winners emerging from both sides of the Atlantic in a memorable renewal of the World Championships.
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Taking command of America's richest race with a devastating late surge, Sierra Leone is producing a memorable performance to land the US$7 million Gr.1 Longines Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, providing trainer Chad Brown with his first success in the championship event.
Under a perfectly-timed ride from Flavien Prat, the son of Gun Runner is settling towards rear of field as Derma Sotogake sets a blistering early gallop, marking fractions of 22.43sec, 44.96sec and 1:09.44 for the opening six furlongs. The Japanese raider's aggressive tactics are setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion to the mile and a quarter contest.
As the field turns for home, favourite Fierceness ranges alongside the Japanese pacesetter, looking poised to strike. However, Sierra Leone is launching his challenge wider out, drawing alongside Fierceness at the head of the straight before asserting his dominance in the final furlong. The manner of his victory, steadily extending his advantage all the way to the wire, speaks volumes about his class and stamina reserves.
The partnership is crossing the line a length and a half clear of Todd Pletcher's charge, stopping the clock at 2:00.78 for the testing journey. Another Japanese raider, Forever Young, is claiming third place, a further one and a quarter lengths behind, with Newgate finishing fourth in what proves to be a truly international renewal of America's premier dirt contest.
The victory marks a significant milestone for Brown, securing his 19th Breeders' Cup triumph but his first in the Classic. For Prat, it represents a second Classic success, adding to his memorable win aboard Flightline in 2022, and his sixth overall at the championships. The French-born jockey's patient tactics paying handsome dividends in a race where several rivals might have compromised their chances by moving too soon.
"It's been a challenging Breeders' Cup so far," reflects Brown afterwards. "A couple horses didn't fire, and some trips didn't go our way. But I've such an unbelievable team and had plenty of confidence in this horse. The race set up perfectly for him on paper."
The victory carries added significance following Sierra Leone's unfortunate Kentucky Derby experience earlier in the season. "I thought we took a tough beat in the Derby," Brown continues, "but we handled it with class and respect, went back to the drawing board and worked on getting him straight. My team deserves enormous credit for their work with this horse."
Brown's thoughts also turn to his mentor, the late Bobby Frankel, particularly poignant given the Southern California setting. "Bobby was a very rare person, generous and a great mentor. At moments like this, I always think of him. My team really worked with this horse, my owners have been so patient, and Flavien has really gotten along with him."
The winning purse of US$3.64 million elevates Sierra Leone's career earnings to US$6,008,000, his record now standing at four wins from nine starts. Owned by the powerful partnership of Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg and Brook Smith, the Kentucky-bred colt is establishing himself as a leading light of his generation.
For Prat, the victory never seemed in doubt once he found his rhythm. "Obviously the pace was good and we found ourselves in a good spot," the jockey explains. "I was able to stay outside and the whole way around it felt like I was gaining ground on the leaders. Actually, I was a bit worried that I would get there too soon, but once I got the lead, I asked him to make his move and that was it."
Pletcher, while disappointed not to claim victory with favourite Fierceness, acknowledges his charge's gallant effort: "Fierceness ran superbly. The fractions were very fast, and he showed tremendous courage to keep fighting for second."
The result cements Sierra Leone's position at the pinnacle of an exceptionally strong three-year-old division, providing a fitting conclusion to his campaign. His triumph, achieved through a combination of raw talent and professional attitude, suggests there might be even more to come from this emerging star of American racing.
By delivering a performance that combines tactical awareness with raw power, Sierra Leone has not only secured his place in Breeders' Cup history but also demonstrated why the Classic continues to be one of world racing's most compelling spectacles. The victory, coming at the scenic Del Mar track with its Pacific backdrop, adds another chapter to the rich story of this prestigious championship event.
Racing history was made at Del Mar as rank outsider Soul of an Angel stormed to a stunning success in the US$1 million Gr.1 PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, providing trainer Saffie Joseph Jr with his maiden victory at the World Championships.
Under a confident ride from Drayden Van Dyke, capturing his second Breeders' Cup triumph, the 5YO daughter of Atreides produced a devastating late surge from the tail of the field to claim glory in the seven-furlong contest.
Society and Pleasant carved out fierce early fractions, clocking 21.94 seconds for the opening quarter. As the leaders began to tire approaching the home turn, Van Dyke orchestrated a masterful wide move, threading his mount through traffic before unleashing her winning run.
Soul of an Angel, making only her third sprint start in a 41-race career, collared the front-running Society in the final strides to score by half a length, stopping the clock at 1:21.59. Pleasant stayed on gamely to finish a nose back in third.
"It's a special moment to get our first Breeders' Cup win," beamed Joseph Jr. "The horse is the hero - we're just part of the process and enjoying the ride. Growing up, I dreamed of winning a Breeders' Cup race, and to achieve it means everything."
Van Dyke, who previously triumphed in the 2018 Turf Sprint aboard Stormy Liberal, said: "I just tried keeping her as close as I could. When I tipped her out, I knew I had a good chance. She kicked on brilliantly."
The victory earned connections US$520,000, boosting Soul of an Angel's career earnings beyond US$1.19 million. Steve Asmussen, Society's trainer, was gracious in defeat, simply stating: "She ran hard. Credit to the winner."
Starlust produced a memorable performance to land the Gr.1 Prevagen Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar, providing trainer Ralph Beckett and jockey Rossa Ryan with a landmark victory on American soil.
The British raider, owned by Mrs Fitriani Hay, showed impressive turn of foot to clinch the US$1 million contest, completing the five-furlong dash in 55.92 seconds. Breaking slowly from the gates, the 3YO found himself detached from the main pack as Cogburn set blistering fractions up front.
Turning for home, Star of Mystery and Ag Bullet launched their challenges, but it was Starlust who threaded through along the rail under a confident Ryan ride to score by a neck. Motorious, trained by Phil D'Amato, claimed second place, with Ag Bullet finishing a nose away in third.
The victory marks Beckett's second Breeders' Cup success, coming 16 years after Muhannak's Marathon triumph. For Ryan, it represented a maiden World Championships victory, capping a remarkable season that included an Arc success with Bluestocking.
"He's danced every dance this year," reflected Beckett. "Today was about patience and perfect timing. We discussed taking the inside route if he got detached, and Rossa executed the plan brilliantly."
The son of Zoustar has now accumulated US$915,137 in prize money, with this being his sixth career victory from 18 starts. His previous best Breeders' Cup effort came when finishing third in last year's Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita.
Ryan added: "Taking our time was key today. He's incredibly tough and consistent - this victory was thoroughly deserved."
Thorpedo Anna is continuing her stellar campaign with a dominant front-running performance in the US$2 million Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff at Del Mar, providing trainer Kenny McPeek with his first Breeders' Cup success after decades of trying.
The 3YO daughter of Fast Anna, who has been the standout filly of her generation, made all under Brian Hernandez Jr to score by two and a half lengths from Raging Sea, completing the nine-furlong contest in 1:49.10 on the fast main track.
Having already secured four Group One victories this term, with her sole defeat coming when narrowly beaten by Fierceness in the Gr.1 Travers Stakes against colts, Thorpedo Anna demonstrated her tactical versatility once again in a race that developed into a tactical affair.
Breaking sharply from the gates, Hernandez positioned his mount on the lead, with Chad Brown's Raging Sea tracking in second through steady fractions of 23.81sec, 47.99sec and 1:12.01. When challenged on the far turn, the winner found another gear to power clear, with her rider barely moving a muscle.
McPeek, celebrating his maiden Breeders' Cup triumph after several placed efforts with modest-priced runners, said: "She keeps it rolling, doesn't she? It was workmanlike. She just went out there and did her thing. We have every intention to run her next year. She is a filly that likes to do it and, hopefully, we'll entertain a lot of people with her in 2025."
The Kentucky-bred filly, owned by the partnership of Brookdale Racing, Mark Edwards, breeder Judy Hicks and Magdalena Racing, has proven herself a remarkable investment. The victory, worth US$1,040,000, boosted her career earnings to US$3,843,663.
Raging Sea held second by three and a quarter lengths from Candied, with Brown indicating his filly would remain in training next season. "The way the race unfolded, she was second-best. I'm proud of her, as she wasn't beaten that far," Brown reflected.
Hernandez, securing his second Breeders' Cup success after his 2012 Classic victory aboard Fort Larned, added: "She was the best filly in the race, and I just rode her accordingly. She crossed the wire with her ears up, just proud of herself like always. To win the races we've won with her and to top it off with the Kentucky Derby has been a year we always dream about."
Rebel's Romance proved yet again he is among the elite middle-distance performers globally, securing a remarkable second Longines Breeders' Cup Turf victory at Del Mar on Saturday.
Under a masterful ride from William Buick, the Godolphin star demonstrated his trademark tenacity to repel the late surge of Rousham Park in a thrilling renewal of the US$5 million contest.
Trained to perfection by Charlie Appleby, the 6YO tracked early leader Cabo Spirit through steady fractions before asserting his authority around the final bend. His sustained drive for home proved decisive as he
stopped the clock at 2:26.07 for the mile and a half journey.
The Japanese raider Rousham Park launched a determined challenge in the closing stages but found the winner's resolve unbreakable, going down by a neck. Last year's third Shahryar filled the same spot once again, with Gold Phoenix completing familiar territory in fourth.
This latest triumph pushes Rebel's Romance's career earnings beyond US$11.7 million, cementing his status as one of Godolphin's finest servants. His remarkable consistency at the highest level is reflected in a record of 15 victories from 22 starts.
"He's just a legend of a horse who is all class and heart," reflected Buick afterwards. "We had a good run around and he stuck his head down to the line."
Appleby, securing a third Gr.1 Turf success, was effusive in his praise: "For the mileage he's done and to be campaigned at that level for so long, it takes a special horse."
Godolphin's Hugh Anderson perhaps best captured the magnitude of the achievement: "He's won on numerous continents and has been a superstar. He's now one of Godolphin's greats."
The vanquished but valiant Rousham Park lost little in defeat, with trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka noting: "I was very close. That was the plan to let him go on his pace at the early stages then make ground. He showed his turn of foot even if it was a slow pace."
In a masterful display of tactical riding, Moira finally secured her elusive Group One victory in the US$2 million Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar, delivering a first World Championships success for trainer Kevin Attard.
The 5YO daughter of Ghostzapper, who had finished fifth and third in her previous attempts, powered clear in the straight under Flavien Prat to hold off the fast-finishing Cinderella's Dream by half a length.
Making effective use of her inside draw, Moira settled comfortably in midfield as stablemate Full Count Felicia set steady fractions up front. The complexion of the race changed dramatically when Sunset Glory made her move around the far turn, with Prat positioning Moira perfectly to strike.
Taking command at the top of the stretch, the K-Men Racing, Madaket Stables and SF Racing-owned mare showed tremendous resolution to repel the late thrust of Godolphin's Cinderella's Dream, who snatched second by a nose from Didia.
Completing the 1 3/8 miles in 2:14.95 on firm turf, Moira's breakthrough triumph at the highest level boosted her career earnings to US$2,996,017.
"She's such a good horse, and it's so rewarding to finally see her get that Group One," beamed Attard. "She's been a bit underrated but showed everyone today that she is a true champion."
For Prat, celebrating his seventh Breeders' Cup victory, the win carried special significance. "I didn't want anyone to get the jump on me, so I made my move on the backside. The horse really rewarded my confidence," said the French rider.
Charlie Appleby, trainer of the runner-up, remained upbeat despite the narrow defeat: "She's very talented and there'll be another day with her," while jockey William Buick added: "The slow pace didn't help, but she's proven she's top class."
Straight No Chaser produced a devastating late surge to claim a memorable triumph in the US$2 million Gr.1 Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint at Del Mar on Saturday, giving trainer Dan Blacker his first success at the meeting.
The 5YO, partnered by the evergreen John Velazquez, tracked the leaders before unleashing a powerful challenge in the final furlong to deny the gallant Bentornato by half a length in a pulsating finish.
Racing just off the fierce early gallop set by Federal Judge, who carved out opening fractions of 21.74sec and 44.12sec, Straight No Chaser travelled supremely well throughout the six-furlong contest before asserting his authority when it mattered most.
The Kentucky-bred son of Speightster, carrying the increasingly prominent MyRacehorse colours, stopped the clock in a swift 1:08.62, marking himself out as a top-tier sprinter in recording a first Group One success.
"He's simply a really talented horse," said the delighted Blacker, whose charge has now amassed US$1,416,300 in prize-money. "I'm incredibly thankful to MyRacehorse for their patience and support."
For Velazquez, securing a 21st Breeders' Cup victory proved particularly sweet, coming exactly two decades after his first Sprint success aboard Speightstown at Lone Star Park.
The master rider said: "He travelled beautifully throughout. When I asked him to quicken, he found another gear late on. I'm very proud of his performance."
Jose D'Angelo, trainer of the runner-up Bentornato, was magnanimous in defeat, saying: "For a moment, I thought we had it. He ran his heart out today and I couldn't be prouder."
The well-fancied Mullikin finished a further two and a half lengths back in third, with Federal Judge completing the frame in fourth.
More Than Looks delivered a stunning performance to land the US$2 million Gr.1 FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile at Del Mar, providing trainer Cherie DeVaux with her first taste of Breeders' Cup success.
Under a masterful ride from Jose Ortiz, the Kentucky-bred colt transformed from backmarker to brilliant winner, sweeping past his rivals with a devastating turn of foot in the home straight to score by three and a quarter lengths.
The 4YO son of More Than Ready, settling last in the early stages, demonstrated remarkable acceleration when angled wide by Ortiz turning for home. Navigating through the field with impressive fluency, he powered clear in the closing stages, stopping the clock at 1:32.65.
Johannes, trained by Tim Yakteen, claimed the runner-up spot after a determined effort, holding off the fast-finishing British raider Notable Speech by a head in a thrilling battle for minor honours.
The early pace was set by Goliad, who carved out swift fractions under pressure from Japanese challengers Ten Happy Rose and Geoglyph. However, they had no answer to the winner's superior finishing burst.
For DeVaux, who has shown tremendous patience with her charge throughout the season, the victory marked a career-defining moment. "Everything hit all at once," she reflected, emotion evident in her voice.
"The horse can be difficult to ride, but Jose executed perfectly."
Ortiz, securing his sixth Breeders' Cup triumph, revealed his tactical masterplan: "I wanted to follow William [Buick on Notable Speech], and it worked out perfect."
The victory boosted More Than Looks' career earnings to US$1,870,715, enhancing his already impressive record to five wins from eleven starts. Victory Racing Partners' star had previously shown glimpses of this ability, but chose the perfect moment to deliver his most emphatic performance.
Yakteen, while disappointed to finish second, was magnanimous in defeat: "He ran dynamite. Their horse ran a monster, and we're proud of our boy's effort."
Putting paid to any doubts about his ability to handle the shorter trip, Full Serrano produced a commanding performance to land the Gr.1 Big Ass Fans Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile at Del Mar on Saturday, giving trainer John Sadler a memorable third success at the World Championships.
The 5YO Argentine-bred, expertly handled by Joel Rosario, tracked the early pace set by T O Saint Denis before unleashing a decisive move around the far turn. Drawing clear in the straight, he had plenty in reserve to repel the late thrust of Post Time, scoring by a length and a half in a sharp time of 1:35.48.
Post Time, trained by Brittany Russell, produced an eye-catching late rally under Sheldon Russell to claim second, with the well-fancied Domestic Product a further two and a quarter lengths back in third.
"We were quite nervous at the draw," revealed Sadler, celebrating his first Dirt Mile success. "Getting post three was crucial, especially at Del Mar. Joel gave him a perfect ride - he's my home boy and we've been together for a long time."
The victory, worth US$520,000, boosted Full Serrano's career earnings to US$797,223. The son of Full Mast had previously shown his class when finishing second in the Gr.1 Pacific Classic over ten furlongs.
Rosario, securing his 16th Breeders' Cup triumph, said: "We broke well and secured a perfect position. On this speed-favouring track, that was crucial."
Connections are now eyeing the Pegasus World Cup, with potential Middle East targets also under consideration for the progressive performer, who has now won six of his 17 starts.
Russell, thrilled with Post Time's effort in second, noted: "He ran huge. The short stretch might have been against us, but we're over the moon with that performance."
As the sun set over the Pacific, Del Mar's championship Saturday had delivered a sublime reminder of racing's capacity to produce sporting theatre of the highest calibre. From Sierra Leone's commanding Classic performance to Full Serrano's gritty display in the Dirt Mile, each race contributed its own chapter to an unforgettable afternoon. The meeting reinforced the Breeders' Cup's status as a genuinely global championship, where reputations are both made and enhanced on one of racing's grandest stages. With performances that will live long in the memory, the 2024 renewal proved once again why this festival continues to capture the imagination of racing enthusiasts worldwide.