'I can't believe it' - James Fanshawe strikes with first runner at Breeders' Cup

James Fanshawe, a popular mainstay of the Newmarket training ranks, made his first runner at the Breeders' Cup a winner when Audarya produced a gutsy performance in the Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland on Saturday.

An all-weather handicap winner at Newcastle off a mark of 99 in August, Audarya has made giant strides since, winning the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville three weeks later and then finishing third in the Prix de l'Opera on Arc day last month.

She had not finished with her improvement and capped a memorable year with a well-earned, if surprising, victory under Pierre-Charles Boudot, who was standing in for Ioritz Mendizabal following a positive test for Covid-19.

"She won very nicely at Deauville and today the trip was perfect, although the draw was a bit complicated," he said. "The first furlong I had an opportunity to go behind Peaceful and then the trip was perfect.

"She did it well and was very courageous. It's a great achievement for me to win here and I'm very happy for the owner and trainer, but I want to say sorry to Ioritz, who is the rider of this filly, but he has Covid."

Fanshawe has been training for the thick end of 30 years and has forged a reputation as one of the sport's most respected, likeable and capable operators, recording multiple top-level Flat triumphs along with a brace of Champion Hurdle victories.

He was saddling Audarya for Alison Swinburn, the daughter of former owner-trainer Peter Harris who was married to legendary jockey Walter Swinburn, who died in 2016.

James Fanshawe: one of the sport's most respected, likeable and capable operatorsCredit: Edward Whitaker

Fanshawe, a former assistant to Sir Michael Stoute, said: "I can't believe it – it's absolutely fantastic. I'm really grateful for the team back at home and it's really sad Alison can't be here today, while I'm also very sorry for Ioritz, who couldn't ride her.

"We couldn't have got anyone better and Ioritz and Pierre-Charles share the same agent, so Ioritz was able to explain how to ride her and what her strengths were.

"It was a fantastic ride and I thought she'd get tired, but she kept going. She's been running on soft ground in Europe, but she's thrived since she's been here. It's easy to say that now, but she has. I always have doubts until they pass the winning post in front."

Filly & Mare Turf result

Read more of our Breeders' Cup content here:

Kentucky Derby hero Authentic gives Bob Baffert a fourth Breeders' Cup Classic

Dermot Weld celebrates first Breeders' Cup success with Turf heroine Tarnawa

Outsider Order Of Australia leads home 1-2-3 for Aidan O'Brien in Mile

Glass Slippers sparkles for Tom Eaves and Kevin Ryan in Turf Sprint

'He's amazing' – Wesley Ward heaps praise on Turf Sprint winner Golden Pal

In pictures: photographer Edward Whitaker's love affair with the Breeders' Cup

Watch live races through the Racing Post website. Log in to your bookmaker account via the bookmaker button at the top of the page and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here