'I've never been prouder' - Audarya owner still buzzing and keen to race on

Connections of Saturday's Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Audarya are eager to keep the four-year-old in training for possibly another crack at the championships in 2021.

In memorable scenes, Audarya put in a strong finish to defeat prolific US filly Rushing Fall in the Grade 1 contest to give trainer James Fanshawe a winner with his first runner at the Breeders' Cup.

Owned by Alison Swinburn, widow of former three-time Derby-winning jockey Walter, Audarya had already enjoyed success at the top level this year with a breakthrough win in the Group 1 Prix Jean Romanet at Deauville in August, although her rise to the top has been particularly rapid as she won in handicap company off an official mark of 99 at Newcastle on August 2.

Swinburn said: "Saturday night was one of the most exciting, most thrilling, amazing nights of my life. We were screaming her home. I’ve never been prouder.”

The owner was quick to credit the team around Audarya and their efforts in preparing her for the contest. She added: "James and Jacko have done a phenomenal job out in Keeneland, and not just them.

"Helen, the travelling head girl who took Audarya out there, and Geoffrey, her work-rider, have all done an amazing job at delivering the filly to the start of the race in absolute peak condition. She looked superb.

"His [Fanshawe] whole thing was keeping her relaxed and well within herself, which obviously she was because she ran the race of her life.”

James Fanshawe: a winner with his first ever runner at the Breeders' CupCredit: Edward Whitaker

Audarya only raced once at two and her owner is keen to see her return as a five-year-old.

Swinburn said: "Once she gets back, she'll have a very well-deserved rest and then I think I’ll sit down with James and discuss next year.

"I’d like to keep her in training for a year. Hopefully this damned pandemic will have gone and I’ll actually be able to go and enjoy watching her run and then maybe at the end of next season be looking at sending her to the paddocks.

"But I think that’s a decision we’ll all make. We’ll look at the calendar, work out what’s best for her and then go from there."

Speaking upon his return from the US, Fanshawe said: "We've just landed but I would say we are still on cloud nine. Audarya put up an incredible performance and has come out of the race, in which she broke the track record, in great shape.

"After discussion with Alison and her racing manager Anthony Stroud, the plan is to keep her in training next year as she's plenty of scope. She is due to ship back tomorrow."

Filly & Mare Turf result

Read more of our Breeders' Cup content here:

Kentucky Derby hero Authentic gives Bob Baffert a fourth Breeders' Cup Classic

Dermot Weld celebrates first Breeders' Cup success with Turf heroine Tarnawa

Outsider Order Of Australia leads home 1-2-3 for Aidan O'Brien in Mile

Glass Slippers sparkles for Tom Eaves and Kevin Ryan in Turf Sprint

'He's amazing' – Wesley Ward heaps praise on Turf Sprint winner Golden Pal

In pictures: photographer Edward Whitaker's love affair with the Breeders' Cup

Study the form and watch unlimited full video race replays from all 86 British and Irish racecourses. Join Members’ Club Ultimate now and never miss a race again!