Breeders' Cup breakthrough for Ger Lyons as Magnum Force flies home for glory under Colin Keane

Ger Lyons notched his landmark first Breeders' Cup winner when Magnum Force stormed to a thrilling success in the Juvenile Turf Sprint.

The son of Mehmas was third in Flying Childers Stakes last time behind Aesterius and Big Mojo, but he reversed that form in brilliant style with a flying finish under Colin Keane.

Magnum Force got Irish-trained runners off to a brilliant start at Del Mar, with Arizona Blaze finishing second for Adrian Murray. Six of the first seven finishers were trained in Ireland or Britain.

It was a first Breeders' Cup success at the third attempt for Lyons, who was on the verge of tears following the race. He previously saddled Siskin to finish ninth in the 2020 Breeders' Cup Mile and Acanella filled the same position in the Filly & Mare Turf a year later.

"I'm speechless," Lyons said. "I knew he was the right horse for the job, whether he was good enough we didn't know.

"But when you've Colin Keane riding for you – probably the most underrated champion jockey in the world – you've got a great chance. Believe me, the world needs to open up to him."

While Lyons enjoyed Breeders' Cup delight for the first time, it was a second victory at the meeting for Keane, having previously struck on Tarnawa in the 2020 Turf. Ireland's star rider was relieved that his mount managed to weave through runners to get up in time.

Magnum Force and Colin Keane following the Juvenile Turf SprintCredit: Edward Whitaker

He said: "That's the way he likes to be ridden – he needs a bit of luck in running and he got it. His last two runs in Britain were very good despite being beaten, as things didn't go to plan.

"We were very hopeful here going over five furlongs around a bend on quick ground. We knew it'd bring out the best in him. I didn't think we'd seen the best of him in Ireland or Britain."

Victory was extra special for Lyons, having had a spell as a work rider with Carl Nafzger in the US before he became a jump jockey and eventually embarked on his highly successful training career.

"Huge credit to the horse and my team," Lyons added. "There's plenty of us trainers who can do this if we get the horses. The secret to training winners is getting horses like him. It's as simple as that.

"If a clown like me can train a winner at the Breeders' Cup, anybody can!"

Governor Sam finished third for American trainer George Weaver ahead of the Mick Appleby-trained Big Mojo in fourth. Magnum Force was cut to 20-1 (from 33) for next year's Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot with Paddy Power following his win.

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