In one of the most dramatic upsets of this year's Breeders' Cup meeting, Irish-trained outsider Rashabar stormed to victory in the $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita, delivering a stunning 22-1 shock that left racing enthusiasts breathless.
Dream Realised for Jockey Murphy
For jockey Oisin Murphy, the victory marked an emotional first Breeders' Cup triumph after years of near-misses. The three-time British champion jockey guided the Amo Racing-owned colt with impeccable timing, surging forward in the final furlong to seize victory from favourite Crimson Advocate.
"It's a dream come true," an elated Murphy declared after the race. "I've been coming to the Breeders' Cup for years and had several seconds, but to finally get that winner is incredibly special."
Perfect Timing Seals Dramatic Win
The race unfolded with textbook precision for the winning combination. Murphy bided his time perfectly aboard the Brian Meehan-trained colt, making his move at the exact right moment to overhaul the front-running favourite in the closing stages.
"He travelled beautifully throughout and when I asked him to quicken, he responded immediately," Murphy explained. "To beat the favourite so convincingly shows what a talented horse we have here."
Royal Ascot Form Confirmed
Rashabar had previously shown glimpses of his potential when finishing third in the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot back in June. That form received a significant boost today as he demonstrated his class on the world stage.
The victory represents a major training achievement for Brian Meehan, who prepared the horse perfectly for this championship event. Owned by Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing, the colt has now established himself as one of the most exciting sprint prospects in European racing.
What Next for the Surprise Champion?
With this spectacular Breeders' Cup victory under his belt, connections will now be considering options for Rashabar's three-year-old campaign. The manner of this success suggests he could develop into a serious contender for major sprint honours next season.
This stunning result adds another chapter to the Breeders' Cup's reputation for producing unforgettable moments and surprise champions, proving once again that in horse racing, anything can happen when the starting gates fly open.
