The Breeders’ Cup is back for 2024. This year’s event, set for November 1-2, will take place at the iconic Del Mar racetrack in California. The two-day event will feature 14 Grade 1 Championship races with an impressive total of $31 million in purses and awards up for grabs.
Though the Breeders’ Cup is based in the United States, it truly lives up to its title as a “World Championship” event. Each year, horses from around the globe gather to compete, with horses from the United Kingdom often standing out among the international contenders.
In this post, we’ll explore five iconic UK horses that have made waves at the Breeders’ Cup.
Paddington (2024 Contender)
Paddington is a UK-based horse to watch for the upcoming 2024 Breeders’ Cup. Bred by Coolmore Stud, this colt comes from a prestigious pedigree, being the offspring of the highly regarded stallion Siyouni and the talented mare Modern Eagle.
Paddington’s ownership remains under the well-known partnership of Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Mrs. John Magnier. He is trained by Aidan O’Brien, one of the world’s top trainers, with jockey Ryan Moore typically riding him to success in major events.
Paddington’s rise in the racing world has been swift, with wins across a number of notable races in both the UK and Europe. Known for his exceptional turn of foot and stamina, he has already claimed titles in prestigious races such as the Coral Eclipse and Sussex Stakes.
Everyone had been expecting his 2024 Breeders Cup odds. However, he recently retired ahead of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup due to an injury, cutting his career short earlier than expected. He finished his career with an impressive 10: 7-0-1 record and US$2.12 million in earnings.
Enable
Enable is one of the most beloved racehorses in UK racing history. Bred in the UK by Khalid Abdullah, she’s a product of the prestigious Juddmonte Farms. Her lineage is impressive, being sired by Nathaniel and out of Concentric, both known for their quality and endurance.
With jockey Frankie Dettori in the saddle and trainer John Gosden guiding her, Enable dominated the European racing scene for several years. Known for her incredible stamina and will to win, she claimed two Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe victories.
In 2018, Enable competed in the Breeders’ Cup Turf and delivered a stunning performance, becoming the first horse to win both the Arc and the Breeders’ Cup Turf in the same year. Her ability to perform on both European and American tracks solidified her legacy as one of the greatest UK horses in Breeders’ Cup history.
Roaring Lion
Roaring Lion, bred in the UK by Qatar Racing, was a powerhouse in his racing career. He hailed from a top-tier pedigree, being sired by Kitten’s Joy and with his dam Vionnet adding further depth to his bloodline.
Trained by John Gosden and primarily ridden by Oisin Murphy, Roaring Lion’s connections knew they had something special as he began to show his strength early on in his career. He was a formidable force in 2018, winning multiple Group 1 races, such as the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes and the Eclipse Stakes. His versatility was unmatched, excelling over various distances and on different surfaces.
Although his Breeders’ Cup journey in the Classic that same year didn’t result in a win, his accomplishments throughout the season made him one of the most respected UK horses to compete in the event.
Highland Reel
Highland Reel, another standout from the Coolmore empire, was bred in the UK and has made a significant mark on the Breeders’ Cup. Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by jockey Ryan Moore, this son of Galileo was always destined for greatness.
His ownership under Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, and Mrs. John Magnier adds to his esteemed background. With his origin, tactical speed, and ability to handle long distances, Highland Reel excelled in global races.
One of his crowning achievements came in the 2016 Breeders’ Cup Turf, where he claimed victory with a brilliant front-running performance. This win highlighted his versatility and consistency, making him one of the UK’s finest representatives at the Breeders’ Cup.
Expert Eye
Another UK horse that made history at the Breeders’ Cup is Expert Eye, bred by Khalid Abdullah’s Juddmonte Farms. Trained by Sir Michael Stoute and ridden by Frankie Dettori, Expert Eye’s pedigree included Acclamation as his sire and Exemplify as his dam, both known for producing fast and agile horses.
Expert Eye was a consistent performer. His crowning achievement came in the 2018 Breeders’ Cup Mile, where he stormed to victory with a brilliant late run. This win capped off a successful career and ensured his place among the UK’s most memorable Breeders’ Cup contenders.
Final Thoughts
The Breeders’ Cup is a truly global event, attracting top talent from all over the world. With their rich racing heritage and impressive track records, UK horses are often among the top contenders each year. For more information or specific questions, it’s always worth diving deeper into racing resources or seeking professional guidance for a more personalised understanding.