50-1 shot Caravel storms to shock Turf Sprint victory as Golden Pal blows start

Saturday: Breeders' Cup Sprint Turf, Keeneland

Caravel made all to win the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at 50-1 after favourite Golden Pal once again blew his chances with a slow start.

Trained by Brad Cox, who saddled four winners the last time the Breeders' Cup was held at Keeneland, Caravel held off a persistent challenge from Emaraaty Ana, with Creative Force third and Highfield Princess, who raced wide, fourth.

Undefeated at the Breeders’ Cup and in four previous starts at Keeneland, Golden Pal’s chance of victory evaporated within seconds due to a slow start, as had been the case at Royal Ascot.

That day, his chances had been blown in the King’s Stand Stakes when his rider Irad Ortiz was looking in the wrong direction when the stalls opened, while he had been slowly away when winning at Saratoga in August.

Summing up the race, a frustrated Ortiz simply said: "Just missed the break."

Golden Pal is left at the back of the field after missing the breakCredit: Edward Whitaker

With Golden Pal out of the way, Caravel, in the colours of Qatar Racing, who own the filly with Marc Detampel and Madaket Stables LLC, was able to cross to the lead and never forfeited the advantage.

Turning for home, Golden Pal and Highfield Princess, the big two much of the pre-race attention focused on, were going nowhere wide on the course, with Caravel’s main rival instead being Emaraaty Ana, who had sneaked through on the rail under a canny ride from Ryan Moore.

However, as much as Moore and his mount tried, they were unable to peg back the filly and jockey Tyler Gaffalione, who crossed the line in front of a phalanx of European raiders.

Cox said: "In turf sprints you've got to get away well and Tyler did that. I said if she got her head in front turning for home she'll be tough because that's how she runs. She's very honest and I'm very proud of her."

Qatar Racing's Sheikh Fahad added: "That was a fantastic performance. Thanks to Brad and Tyler, who gave her a fantastic ride. And well done to the whole ownership group.

A delighted Tyler Gaffalione after winning the Turf Sprint on CaravelCredit: Edward Whitaker

"It's an unbelievable feeling. We were very confident and she was one of our best hopes for the meet."

Connections of Emaraaty Ana paid tribute to the winner as well as their own horse, with Moore describing Caravel as "tough".

Adam Ryan, assistant to Emaraaty Ana's trainer Kevin Ryan, said: "We couldn’t have had him in better condition and he’s run a blinder. Fair play to the winner, she’s a very game filly and I thought we were going to pick her up, but he’s run a stormer.

"Ryan gave him a peach and he thought he was going to pick her up, but the winner was very game."

Highfield Princess was unable to add to her Group 1 hat-trick, but jockey Jason Hart was still pleased with her performance.

"It was a good run," he said. "I think she deserves a lot of credit for holding her form through the year. I think she's slightly better with a little bit easier ground and the ground did ride very quick out there.

"I got a good posi from the draw and the leader took us across nicely. I thought, off the turn, I might run big but she still has run big, to be fair."

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