Idiomatic grinds it out in the Distaff to provide Juddmonte and Brad Cox with success at the Breeders' Cup

Trainer Rick Dutrow, banned for a decade before returning to the sport earlier this year, enjoyed success in one of racing's biggest prizes when White Abarrio ran home powerfully in the Breeders' Cup Classic at Santa Anita on Saturday.

Dutrow, suspended for medical violations, had been a leading name in US racing, winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness in 2008 with Big Brown as well as a first Breeders' Cup Classic with Saint Liam in 2005.

He was able to smile again after White Abarrio defeated Derma Sotogake and Proxy.

Third to Cody's Wish, who won the Dirt Mile on the card, on his first run for Dutrow at Belmont in June, White Abarrio then landed the Whitney Stakes in stylish fashion and was fancied to go close for his new trainer, having been with Saffie Joseph Jr at the start of the year.

Irad Ortiz, who won the Classic on Vino Rosso in 2019, did the steering on the striking grey, who sat just off the pace and led in the straight before staying on to secure a famous success.

Ortiz, in the colours of C2 Racing Stable LLC & La Milagrosa Stable LLC, said: "This means a lot. My dad is watching and my family have always supported me. My daughters are watching, so I thank them for supporting me and the trainer – I'm so happy for him.

Irad Ortiz Jr celebrates after winning the Longines Breeders' Cup Classic on White AbarrioCredit: Sean M. Haffey

"He's back in the game and to win this is great. It's not easy to win this kind of race, but I'm blessed and have to thank God and the horses, who do everything for me. Without them, it wouldn't be possible."

A colourful character never afraid to speak his mind, Dutrow, who wears his heart on his sleeve, said: "It's incredible. I don't know how I'm feeling right now – it's incredible stuff what I'm going through now.

"I thought I had a nice horse coming to me, but we weren't dreaming of this at the time. I thought he was the winner the whole way round though; he broke good and had a couple of horses in front of him, which he likes."

Antonio Pagnano, among the winning owners, said: "It was stressful! You never know until they hit the line, but I'm really speechless."

Mark Cornett is also involved and said: "This is a team effort and everybody has done such a great job. We had to overcome a lot of things with this horse - things out of our control - but sometimes things happen for a reason and that reason is Rick Dutrow. He's one of the best horsemen in the world."

Idiomatic (Florent Geroux) wins the DistaffCredit: Edward Whitaker

Cox strikes again

Brad Cox has become a Breeders' Cup force in recent years and got in on the act at the 2023 meeting on Saturday when Idiomatic came home in front in the Distaff.

She runs in the distinctive silks of Juddmonte and was ridden by Florent Geroux, who said: "She has a great demeanour and it's what makes the difference between a good horse and other horses. Before the race, she was composed and focused and I could guide her wherever I wanted to.

"She's always been a very nice filly."

Geroux was winning his eighth Breeders' Cup race and third Distaff after a brace on the Cox-trained Monomoy Girl in 2018 and 2020.

Along with Idiomatic, too strong for Randomized and Le Da Vida, she has helped Cox register ten victories at the meeting.

"I'm very proud and would like to congratulate the Juddmonte team," he said. "It's a big win for her. I'm hopeful we can bring her back next year, but that will be up to Juddmonte. They know how to breed a horse and the decision they make will be the right one.

"She's a three-time Grade 1 winner now – and a champion."

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