Breeders’ Cup coverage was broadcast by our clients in over 100 countries this weekend, and the international theme was not only restricted to television screens. Trainers from four continents took their equine stars to Santa Anita Park in California for the end of season showpiece. It was however the home contingent that dominated the 13 race Breeders’ Cup Championships.

Despite challenges from Argentina, Ireland, France and further, it was clean sweep of victories across the four races for American based trainers and jockeys with American bred horses on Breeders’ Cup Friday. The Juvenile Turf opened proceedings with Oscar Performance taking the race by over a length from the on-rushing Irish raider Lancaster Bomber and favourite Good Samaritan. It was the final race on Friday that had the crowds most gripped though. In the Longines sponsored Distaff the unbeaten 3-year-old Songbird was overturned by the now 14 time Santa Anita winner and 6-year-old, Beholder. Having been in front from the gate, Songbird only relinquished her lead in the final strides in what was an encapsulating climax to the race.

It was somewhat of a shock to opening proceedings on Breeders’ Cup Saturday when 34/1 longshot Champagne Room won the Juvenile Fillies, aptly sponsored by 14 Hands Winery. Emotions were running high in the post-race presentations, where a first win for the owner and trainer at the Breeders’ Cup, at their home track, rendered both delighted.

The total American dominance was broken in the second race on Saturday, and the TV cameras were treated to a famous flying dismount as the beloved Frankie Dettori (pictured below) steered the Cheveley Park Stud owned and Sir Michael Stoute trained Queen’s Trust to victory. Out the back at the turn, Frankie most certainly earned his prize money in propelling his mount past 11 competitors to steal victory by a nose from the favourite Lady Eli. A first win for Cheveley Park Stud at the Breeders’ Cup.

The sprints followed on the card at Santa Anita, with a previous Dundalk handicap winner taking a near $400k purse prize after a Bob Baffert trained winner set up what eventually became a very memorable day at the Breeders’ Cup for the trainer.

In the highly anticipated duel between Flintshire and Found, it was Found’s stablemate Highland Reel that beat both home to claim victory in the Longines Turf. Seamie Heffernan, aboard Highland Reel, rode a perfect race, making all at a reasonable speed and distance from the pack. The Coolmore team elected following the race to retire their third place finisher and previous Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Found. Her scintillating career ends with her finishing out of the places on only one occasion in 21 appearances, even more impressively, 19 of those were Group races.

The Filly & Mare Sprint and Turf Mile featured as the excitement built to the Classic. Finest City and Tourist took the prizes, both made to work for their victories, holding off top class contenders, and both picking up their second Group race win.

And so the finale. The $6 million race. The clash between the seasoned pro, California Chrome, and the young challenger, Arrogate. The Breeders’ Cup Classic did not disappoint. Victor Espinoza set out tactically to dominate his rivals abroad Chrome by leading from post to post. All looked fairly cosy for the Dubai World Cup winner, even as he turned for home and only had Arrogate in near pursuit, who was at this point being ridden to stay in contention. However, the 3-year-old found another gear late on to storm past California Chrome when well within the final furlong. Beaten last in a maiden on his debut less than seven months ago, Arrogate has gone from strength to strength throughout the season, and inclination from the owners in the post-race interviews are that he will continue in training as a 4-year-old. No confirmed decision has been made as to Arrogate’s next step, however a trip to Gulfstream Park for the inaugural $12 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational is possible, where he would most likely line up against California Chrome again, as well as stablemate and 4th place Classic finisher, Hoppertunity.