Breeders’ Cup

Juvenile Turf (Grade 1)

HOOTENANNY, a colt by Quality Road owned by the connections of Coolmore Stud, wore down pacesetter Luck Of The Kitten to win the $1 million Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Ridden by Frankie Dettori for trainer Wesley Ward, Hootenanny was comfortably positioned third in the 14-horse field as Luck Of The Kitten, also trained by Ward, tried to steal the race.

Hootenanny maintained his position in third before he made up ground in the stretch, with Luck Of The Kitten still leading as they turned for home.

Challenged by Hootenanny, Luck Of The Kitten hung on gamely for a stretch duel. Hootenanny finally kicked in to win by three-quarters of a length in a final time of 1m 34.79secs for a mile on firm turf.

Dettori thrilled the crowd with his patented leaping dismount in the winner’s circle.

Produced from the Hennessy mare More Hennessy, the winner is from his sire Quality Road’s first crop. He was bred in Kentucky by Barronstown and is owned by Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor and Mrs John Magnier.

Tabor said: “He’s a very good horse, and this has been a very lucky race for us.

“To win at the Breeders’ Cup is very special and hopefully we can do it for many more years.

“He obviously gets the mile pretty well, and he could run in the (2000) Guineas, and there are a host of races that are possibilities for him.” Dettori, who had ridden Luck Of The Kitten before said: “I know he’s (Luck Of The Kitten) got a lot of speed, so I didn’t want to get in a speed duel.

“He (Hootenanny) blew the first turn a bit, but once I got him asleep, I knew then that I had the race in my mercy.”

Ward was not at Santa Anita, spending time in Florida with family.

His father, Dennis, explained that the trainer’s sons were involved in a lot of activities at this time of the year and that Ward wanted to be there for them.