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

Authentic once again proved the real deal for legendary trainer Bob Baffert, who looks to be ending a difficult year on a high after saddling a record-extending fourth winner in Saturday's Breeders' Cup Classic at Keeneland.

The three-year-old already made headlines by winning a September running of the Kentucky Derby and put a defeat in the Preakness Stakes last month firmly behind when making all in the best open-age race in the States.

He beat stablemate Improbable and Global Campaign as the sun set on a strange year for the sport, one Baffert might not have reflected on too sweetly until firing off a Grade 1 double on the card.

The Arizona native, a guest on the Racing Post's What A Shout show this week, is racing royalty in the States but has faced a tough year, one in which War Emblem and Arrogate, horses who had helped make the trainer's name, have died, while exciting three-year-olds Nadal and Charlatan were both sidelined through injury.

However, the most serious and damaging issues he has had to deal with have been the positive samples some of his string have produced for banned substances.

That led this week to the trainer saying he would do all he could to prevent further negative headlines on that score and he used the Breeders' Cup – when the spotlight shines on racing in the States like few other occasions – to remind the racing world of his huge skill as a trainer, winning the Filly & Mare Sprint with the impressive Gamine before claiming the $6 million Classic with Authentic, who prevailed under John Velazquez.

"We were disappointed after the Preakness and I was surprised with him, but he's a quirky horse," said Baffert, whose other Classics came from 2014-2016 with Bayern, American Pharoah and Arrogate.

"He'd been working unbelievably and Johnny Velazquez knows him really well and got him in that rhythm. He's getting better and has caught up with the older horses. He's unbelievable and I'm so happy for the connections.

"I'd have loved to have run 1-2-3 [Maximum Security was unplaced], but I'm proud of my horses and what a way to end the year after what we've gone through. I love this sport and it's a great day.

"That was awesome. I tell you what, I needed that, didn't I?"

Authentic leads them home in the ClassicCredit: Scott Serio

Hardly any other riders in the history of the sport have accrued more prize-money than Velazquez, but he was cashing in on the Classic for the first time.

"It's incredible, what a feeling," said the winning rider. "I don't know what to say.

"It's been a tough year, no matter what with Covid-19, but it's great to win on a horse like this.

Authentic's success was a sweet 17th at the Breeders' Cup for Baffert, although Velazquez is now one ahead on 18.

The jockey added: "Thank God and the whole team. The older I get the more emotional I get. It worked out perfect. Bob said to take him to the lead so he doesn't wander so much and keep his mind on running. It worked out. He did everything I wanted him to do."

Breeders' Cup Classic result

Read more of our Breeders' Cup content here:

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

First time lucky: James Fanshawe strikes with maiden runner at Breeders' Cup

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

Watch live races through the Racing Post website. Log in to your bookmaker account via the bookmaker button at the top of the page and look on the racecards for eligible races. Click the red 'Watch live now' icon and they're off! Find out how here