WILLIAM THE CONQUEROR
Wuheida steals show in Breeders’ Cup
WILLIAM BUICK yesterday reflected on an “incredible” comeback that saw him land a first Breeders’ Cup success - 12 weeks after breaking his back.
The 29-year-old, stretchered off the track at Arlington Park in Chicago with a fractured T12 vertebra, sealed his rehabilitation aboard the Charlie Appleby-trained Wuheida, who carried Godolphin’s silks to victory in the Filly And Mare Turf at Del Mar.
“It’s incredible,” said the 29-year-old. “To win a Breeders’ Cup race for Sheikh Mohammed, Charlie and the whole team was very special.
“You know how big it is - it’s hard to come by and it’s taken me a few rides to get there. Relief, joy - everything rolled into one.
“It’s never ideal in any sport to have an injury, but it happens and I’m lucky to get out the other end like I have.”
On a frustrating night for the visitors, Talismanic’s victory in the Turf for André Fabre and Godolphin was the only other Breeders’ Cup success for Europe.
Churchill’s bid for the $6milllion Classic ended in failure as Aidan O’brien’s dual 2,000 Guineas hero returned in seventh place behind the Steve Asmussen-saddled Gun Runner.
Bob Baffert had the second and third in
Collected and
West Coast, but his Arrogate was never in contention on the final start of his illustrious career.