Sierra Leone claims Breeders’ Cup glory while City of Troy flops – live

The horse owned and bred by Dr. Amara triumphed to become the first British-trained winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf in 24 years at Keeneland

The victory provided a rare bright spot on an otherwise disappointing day for the British and Irish challenge at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in Kentucky, with 7-2 favorite City of Troy flopping in the Juvenile Turf.

Sierra Leone, ridden by French jockey Flavien Prat, came from well back to overhaul pacesetter Pizza Bianca and win by a length and three-quarters. Breeders’ Cup experience counted in the hands of Prat, who captured his sixth Breeders’ Cup race in the last four years.

The filly is trained by Ed Walker and began her racing career this summer, winning on her second start at Salisbury in July. She then finished second in the Group Three Prestige Stakes at Goodwood before winning the Group Two May Hill Stakes at Doncaster.

Simon Crisford’s colt City of Troy was sent off favorite in the Juvenile Turf, but never looked a threat in finishing eighth.

The Aidan O’Brien-trained Stone Age was another British hope who failed to deliver, coming home ninth in the Juvenile Turf.

However, there was some consolation for the Irish in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Jessica Harrington’s 6-5 favorite Love came from off the pace to win by three-quarters of a length from War Like Goddess.

Love has won eight of her 10 career starts and could now be retired to stud.

In the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Knicks Go justified favoritism to give trainer Brad Cox a first Breeders’ Cup victory.

The 5-2 shot came home three-quarters of a length ahead of Medina Spirit, with Hot Rod Charlie third.

The Breeders’ Cup concludes on Saturday with the running of the Breeders’ Cup Turf, where Aidan O’Brien’s Japan will bid to become the first horse to win the race three times.