City Of Troy fails to fire but owners Coolmore still come up trumps as Sierra Leone wins the Breeders' Cup Classic

Aidan O'Brien blamed himself after City Of Troy's bid for greatness in the Breeders' Cup Classic ended in disappointment – but owners the Coolmore partners were still in the winner's enclosure as Sierra Leone beat Fierceness in a ferocious renewal of the $7 million showpiece.

A champion on turf in Europe, City Of Troy was bidding to succeed where 17 horses from Ballydoyle had previously failed by winning the Classic, but his quest for immortality ended almost as soon as it started.

Immediately swamped after a sluggish start, the Derby winner was on the back foot as the likes of Derma Sotogake, Fierceness and Newgate helped force a frantic early gallop.

City Of Troy and Ryan Moore pass the stands with a circuit to race in the Breeders' Cup ClassicCredit: Edward Whitaker

Ryan Moore gradually switched City Of Troy to the outside of rivals but, on what was his first race on dirt, he could never bridge the gap to the leaders and had to settle for eighth on his last start, finishing 13 lengths behind the winner.

In contrast, Sierra Leone, who like City Of Troy had no chance of going with the leaders early, gradually found his stride under Flavien Prat. Charging down the home straight, Sierra Leone claimed Fierceness in the final two furlongs and cleared away to give trainer Chad Brown his first win in the Classic.

The winning margin was a length and a half, with Forever Young doing best of the three Japanese raiders, finishing third of the 14 runners.

O'Brien, who has never come closer to winning the Classic than when his first runner, Giant's Causeway, lost by a neck to Tiznow in 2000, was quick to shoulder the blame for City Of Troy's heavy defeat, lamenting his lack of early pace.

"He's grand," said O'Brien of his fallen hero. "I just didn't have him prepared to come out of the stalls quickly enough. We thought he was quick but he got left three or four lengths and it gave Ryan and the horse no chance.

Jockey Ryan Moore following City Of Troy's run in the Breeders' Cup ClassicCredit: Edward Whitaker

"We're learning all the time and, in my opinion, I should have had him coming out quicker and travelling quicker. When you get back that far on a dirt surface, you can't do anything about it. Hopefully we'll try harder next year.

"I think you have to have them prepared properly. He broke quickly but didn't get into top gear quickly enough. When we took him to Southwell, we got the other horses to lead him, but maybe we should have kicked him out and let him lead."

Speaking to NBC, O'Brien added: "It was very sporting of the lads to do it and I'm so delighted for them to have the first and second. It's an incredible experience for us all and we look forward to his babies now."

A lack of early speed has so often been Sierra Leone's Achilles heel, but on this occasion the Kentucky Derby runner-up was able to reel in the leaders to give the Coolmore partners a first success in the Classic.

Sierra Leone (Flavien Prat) wins the Classic

Sierra Leone wins the Breeders' Cup Turf under Flavien PratCredit: Edward Whitaker

"Chad always felt he was a great horse," said Prat. "Every time I've ridden him previously, he's never had the pace [he needs]. He comes from behind and today the pace was good. The whole trip set up the way I wanted, and after that he showed his talent.

"Going to the first turn, there was no slowing down at all, so I was very pleased with that. When we got to the far turn, it looked like I was loaded, and he responded well."

Brown added: "I'm so proud and happy for the horse. He's come up short a few times but he's so consistent and such an honest horse. He's one of the best I've ever had.

Sierra Leone beats Fierceness in the Breeders' Cup ClassicCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It means so much to win the Classic. It's a huge dirt race and the Kentucky Derby [when beaten a nose] was a tough moment for everyone involved. This horse really deserves it."

The winning owners recently secured the breeding rights to Fierceness, so while City Of Troy came up short, there was plenty for the Coolmore team to celebrate.

MV Magnier said: "Chad has done an incredible job with Sierra Leone. He's always had a lot of faith in him and always said he was a very good horse. I'm just delighted for all our partners."

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