Starlust survives stewards' inquiry to land Turf Sprint and provide Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan with another big-race win

Starlust capped a magical year for Ralph Beckett and Rossa Ryan when coming from off the pace to cause an upset in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.   

Less than a month after Bluestocking landed the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe for the same trainer and jockey, Starlust came with a daring run down the inner to secure the first top-level success of his career, although he had to survive an objection from Isivunguvungu's rider Manny Franco.

It did not take the stewards long to dismiss the objection, with Ryan punching the air as Starlust was confirmed the winner.

What a ride he gave it," said Beckett. "I said just before he left the paddock, 'Don't be afraid to go burrowing along the rail, because they will fan out.’ It's extraordinary and I'm really pleased for [owners] Jim and Fitri Hay, who are big supporters of the game.

"He's a really tough horse and that shone through. He's not had a break all year and has been at it since Dubai in March. He had a tough trip in the Abbaye but today he was very good. Rossa gets better by the month and today he was at his very best."

Ralph Beckett reacts to Starlust keeping the win after the Turf Sprint inquiryCredit: Edward Whitaker

Cogburn, billed as the 'fastest horse in the world', had no issue making it to the lead despite his draw in stall nine but, rather than bide his time on the pace, rider Irad Ortiz seemed to be in a hurry to get the job done and the favourite started to tread water in the final furlong. 

In contrast, Starlust still had plenty in the tank and came with an electric run. Ryan did have to manoeuvre Starlust around Cogburn in the closing stages, at which time he brushed past Isivunguvungu, but blame seemed to lay with the wayward favourite and the stewards agreed.

"It worked out beautifully," said Ryan. "They went very hard and when I turned in it opened up down the rail, which I've gone for. I've slightly come off the rail and gone to challenge Irad, who is on my inside. 

“The gap was there for me and, the way I see it, Irad came out on top of me which caused interference outside of me. It's shifted my horse off balance, but he's so gutsy and determined, he's gone through with it no problem. He's tough and hardy."

Rossa Ryan: "It worked out beautifully"Credit: Edward Whitaker

There was drama before the start when the George Boughey-trained Believing reared in the stalls, throwing rider Ryan Moore out of the back of the gates. Moore emerged largely unscathed, but Believing was momentarily lodged in her stall before being freed by the handlers. She was scratched from the race but appeared to have escaped serious injury as she was led away.

Read this next:

'International superstar' Rebel's Romance holds off the fast-finishing Rousham Park to claim a second Breeders' Cup Turf 

'Ryan had no chance' - City Of Troy fails to fire but owners Coolmore still come up trumps as Sierra Leone wins the Breeders' Cup Classic 

More Than Looks comes with a strong late charge to deny 2,000 Guineas winner Notable Speech in Breeders' Cup Mile 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.