THREE AND EASY BLUES
RACING fans across the world are waiting with bated breath to hear news on whether Enable stays in training after her historic victory in the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Despite an interrupted campaign this season, Enable, expertly ridden by Frankie Dettori, became the first horse to win the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and the Breeders’ Cup Turf in the same season, when beating Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes winner Magical, trained by Aidan O’Brien, by threequarters of a length.
Champion trainer John Gosden hinted beforehand he would like to see the four-year-old return in 2019 and go for a third Arc victory.
Keen
The trainer then reaffirmed that suggestion in the winner’s circle after the race.
“Mr Dettori has three children going to college, so he’ll be very keen she stays in training,” he said.
But Teddy Grimthorpe, the racing manager for Prince Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms, which bred and owns Enable, has suggested there will be no rush to make a decision.
“So much has gone into the whole year and it became an emotional roller-coaster ride for Prince Khalid. We’ll take the time to consider the options and all the implications that come with it.
“Of course, the racing fans love to see a filly like this, but in the end, we have to do the right thing by the filly as well.
“I think the main thing is to get her back home and make sure she’s okay. It’s a lovely decision to be able to make.”
Enable, who was scheduled to fly back to trainer John Gosden’s yard in Newmarket today, came out of the race in good order.
“She ate up, she’s very pleased with herself, and she’s in good form,” Grimthorpe said.
It was the perfect end to the season for Gosden and Dettori, who was winning the Breeders’
Cup Turf for the fifth time.
“It was a really tough race, and she just showed her mental strength to win it,”
Gosden said.
O’Brien said Magical would likely be prepared for a fouryear-old season.
“Everything went perfectly to plan,” said O’Brien. “She’s been beaten by a great filly, with a great trainer and owner.”