Anshoda gains prestige and secures a place in the Breeders’ Cup
Team Valor and Gary Barber’s Anshoda a new addition to Relationships, won the Prestige Fillies Stakes (G3) at Goodwood Racecourse on August 24. With her victory in the seven-furlong showpiece for 2-year-old fillies, Anshoda earned an automatic berth in the $1 million Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1T) via the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series: win and you’re in.
After heavy rain overnight softened the ground, there were four retirements, including the two at the top of the betting odds in Formal and Tabiti. A final field of seven started, with the market led by the experienced Royal Bay at 5-2.
Fresh from their heroic deeds on board Bradsell (UK) in the Nunthorpe Stakes (G1) in York on Friday, Hollie Doyle sent her horse Duty first to take the lead in the early stages of the race. Given the difficult conditions, the pace was slow, with Anshoda and Bay of Biniorella positioned just behind the leader. As the race entered the straight, Doyle led the field towards the grandstand barrier, as is common on soft ground, and it looked to be a race-winning move. However, under the firm prodding of Billy Loughnane, Anshoda gained speed and pulled clear of her rivals to give his father, trainer David Loughnane, a memorable victory.
Duty First finished second, 1 3/4 lengths behind the winner. The Aidan O’Brien-trained Cheerful was denied free passage, but remained in third place, one neck length behind.
A brave conclusion!
Watch Anshoda carve out her place in the @JohnDeere #BreedersCup Juvenile Fillies Turf with her victory in #WinAndYouAreIn William Hill Prestige Stakes @Goodwood_Races!
Cheers to connections! pic.twitter.com/nzE9oEsGFm
— Breeders Cup (@BreedersCup) 24 August 2024
Anshoda was bought for just 5,000 guineas (about $7,000) for owner Nawaf Almutairi in May before winning on her debut and finishing an excellent second in the Listed European Bloodstock News EBF Star Stakes at Sandown. That run prompted Team Valour International and Gary Barber to enter the 2-year-old daughter of Inns of Court . Your connections can now dream of Breeders’ Cup glory after securing a ticket to the Breeders’ Cup.
Loughnane, 18, is enjoying his breakthrough season in the saddle after wins at Royal Ascot and the Ebor Festival in York and was impressed with his mare’s performance. He said: “She’s small but she tries hard. She was on a tear towards the end of the race and was strong at the finish line. She will progress in time and her light frame helped her on the very soft ground.”
As part of the Challenge Series benefits, the Breeders’ Cup will pay Anshoda’s entry fees in the John Deere Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf. The Breeders’ Cup will also provide a travel allowance for all competitors outside of North America to compete in the World Championships. The Challenge winner must be nominated to the Breeders’ Cup program by the October 21 registration deadline to receive the rewards.
This press release has been edited for content and style by the BloodHorse team.
