Breeders Cup Vault- 2003 Breeders' Turf

Saddler's Wells and Gone West, two of the most profilic stallions in the World. Of course Saddler's Wells is the sire of horses such as Galileo, Beat Hallow, El Prado, Islington, In the Wings and many others. Gone West is the sire of Speightstown, Elusive Quality, Zaftig, Came Hone, Proud Citizen, Mr. Greeley along with many others. However, on October 25, 2003 Saddler's Wells and Gone West would become the only two stallions whose foals deadheated for first in a Breeders' Cup race.

That race would be the Breeders' Cup Turf. High Chapparral, a son of Saddler's Wells was defending his BC Turf title that he had won the year before as a 3yo at Arlington Park. Owned by Coolmore and trained by Aiden O' Brian, he was coming off a loss in the Arc. Johar the son of Gone West was owned by The Thoroughbred Corp and trained by Richard Mandella was coming off a second place finish in the Clement L. Hirsch behind Storming Home who would go off as the favorite in the Turf.

As the gates opened, Balto Star and Toccet set the early pace, High Chapperral sat towards the back of the pack and Johar was trailing early. As they made their way to the front stretch for the first time Balto Star was still in the lead with The Tin Man in second, our two heros where mid pack and last going into the backstretch. However there was some eventfulness as Sulamani got caught in some traffic and took a stumble, but was able to remain in the race. As soon as they hit the backstretch, High Chapperral started to make his move and on the turn, Johar started his. As they hit the top of the stretch, The Tin Man was in the lead, but he would be would be passed by Falbrav. High Chapperral was starting to near the front with Johar flying, those three hit the wire together. In the end, it would be High Chapperral and Johar dead heating for first and Falbrav and unlucky third place finish.

Here is the video:



The BC Turf would be land High Chapperal his second Eclipse Award, as for Johar well that was win #3 on the day for Dick Mandella who would go on to finish the day with four wins (Halfbridled, Action This Day, Johar and Plesantly Perfect), the most for one trainer on Breeders' Cup day.

High Chapperal stands in Europe at Coolmore's Ireland location while Johar stands at Mill Ridge in Kentucky.

Next week: It's all about Da Hoss both his 1996 and 1998 Mile wins.