By Rory Carroll
(Reuters) -Sierra Leone stormed to victory in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar Racetrack in Southern California on Saturday, passing Fierceness down the stretch to avenge a series of close losses.
Japan’s Forever Young was third in the 41st running of the year-end championships, which was held at the scenic coastal track in San Diego.
Chad Brown-trained Sierra Leone had lost narrowly in his last four races including the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes.
“I’m so happy for the horse because he’s come up short a few times,” Brown said.
“I thought he had some excuses but he’s been so consistent and he’s such an honest horse, one of the best I’ve ever had.”
Sierra Leone was ridden by Flavien Prat in the $7 million Classic, the richest horse race in North America.
(Reporting by Rory Carroll in Los Angeles; Editing by Ken Ferris)
Comments