The curtain-raiser at the Breeders’ Cup meeting in the sunny climes of California saw Big Evs sprinting to glory.
In his debut at the Breeders’ Cup, British trainer Mick Appleby’s Big Evs secured the top spot in the Juvenile Turf Sprint.
Ridden by Tom Marquand, the 10-3 favorite edged out competitors Valiant Force and Starlust at the iconic Santa Anita track.
Big Evs, a homage to the late racing enthusiast Paul Evans, continued his winning streak following his successes at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood earlier in 2023.
“This Wednesday marks a year since Paul’s passing. What a tribute this is to an extraordinary man,” shared a sentimental Paul Teasdale, the horse’s owner.
“It’s like a storybook ending we just lived through.”
This victory marked a monumental point in Appleby’s career, originating from his modest establishment in Rutland.
“Our team might be small, but our dreams are big, and today they’ve been realized,” Appleby remarked, celebrating the milestone.
The race’s lineup saw an unexpected withdrawal with Givemethebeatboys, one of two Irish horses, being pulled from Friday’s event after veterinary consultation.
Jessica Harrington expressed frustration as her two-year-old was held back, as was Aidan O’Brien’s Juvenile Turf hopeful, River Tiber.
“Not a single problem throughout the week, and now this. There’s a fine line between caution and excess,” Harrington commented.
Meanwhile, O’Brien’s Bolshoi Ballet was also a surprising absentee from the races.
Despite these setbacks, O’Brien’s roster still boasted heavyweights like English and Irish Derby victor Auguste Rodin and the steadfast Broome.
Triumph followed tribulation for O’Brien as Unquestionable, with Ryan Moore pivoting from River Tiber in a last-minute switch with Frankie Dettori, clinched a one-two finish in the Juvenile Turf ahead of Mountain Bear.
“A rotten start to the day often spirals, but in the end, fortune favored us,” O’Brien observed with relief.
Donnacha O’Brien, at the ripe age of 25, had his sights on making history as the youngest trainer to claim a Breeders’ Cup title, only to graciously take the runner-up position with Porta Fortuna, who came in just behind Hard To Justify in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint
Who won the Juvenile Turf Sprint at the Breeders’ Cup?
Big Evs, trained by British trainer Mick Appleby and ridden by jockey Tom Marquand, won the Juvenile Turf Sprint at the Breeders’ Cup held at Santa Anita.
What significance did the win have for Big Evs’ owner?
The victory was particularly meaningful as it served as a tribute to the late Paul Evans, a racing enthusiast and friend of the owner, for whom the horse was named.
Did any horses get scratched from the race?
Yes, Givemethebeatboys was one of two Irish-trained horses withdrawn from the race card on Friday due to veterinary advice.
How did Aidan O’Brien’s contenders fare in the Breeders’ Cup?
Despite some setbacks with horse withdrawals, Aidan O’Brien enjoyed success as Unquestionable, ridden by Ryan Moore, won the Juvenile Turf, leading a 1-2 finish for the trainer.
Was there an attempt for a record at the Breeders’ Cup by a young trainer?
Yes, Donnacha O’Brien, aged 25, aimed to become the youngest trainer to win at the Breeders’ Cup but finished second with Porta Fortuna in the Juvenile Fillies Turf.
More about Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint
- Official Breeders’ Cup Results
- Mick Appleby Racing
- Tom Marquand’s Racing Profile
- Tribute to Paul Evans in Horse Racing
- Veterinary Practices at the Races
- Aidan O’Brien Trainer Profile
- Donnacha O’Brien’s Trainer Achievements
5 comments
just heard about Big Evs win, feels like a movie script with the tribute to Paul Evans and all, heartwarming stuff
Donnacha almost had it man, being the youngest thats crazy, next time tho, he’s got this
anyone else think its a bit too much horses getting pulled out left and right? kinda kills the excitement, no?
Can we just take a minute to appreciate Tom Marquand’s riding? Guy’s a wizard on the turf
omg Big Evs taking the win? that’s epic, Mick Appleby’s really setting up a name for himself, sad about the horse being scratched tho