Breeders' Cup winner Sistercharlie makes winning return at Saratoga

Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf winner Sistercharlie made a triumphant return to action at Saratoga on Saturday, beating stablemate Rushing Fall to win the Grade 1 Diana Stakes.

It has been more than eight months since Sistercharlie bravely denied Wild Illusion at Churchill Downs, but she showed no sign of rustiness as she landed the $500,000 prize for the second consecutive year.

The five-year-old daughter of Myboycharlie raced in midfield early in a field of six and then closed with a tremendous kick to get the win. Hall of Famer John Velazquez rode the Chad Brown-trained filly, who was named champion turf female in 2018 on the merits of four Grade 1 wins.

"She's the most consistent horse I've ever had," said owner Peter Brant, who also won the Diana with Just a Game in 1980 and Waya in 1978. "Any time she has lost, she's had a major excuse. She's a very special horse. You only get one like that in a lifetime, and I'm fortunate enough to be associated with her."

The first three home were trained by Brown, who said: "Another great performance from a great mare; she showed why she's the best."

Brown, who has won the Diana Stakes five times, including the last four, added. "Peter made the decision to come back and race her another year. He's a great sportsman, and he loves seeing this horse run. We were going to start her campaign a little earlier in the year, and she got sick on us. We had to wait, and he was very patient. She just hit all her works right leading up to this race."

Big double for Beschizza

Adam Beschizza continued his good run in the US with a Grade 3 double at ArlingtonCredit: Edward Whitaker

Adam Beschizza's run in the US continues to go from strength to strength after the jockey, best known in Britain for completing the Autumn Double by riding the winners of the Cambridgeshire (Third Time Lucky) and Cesarewitch (Grumeti) in 2015, completed a Grade 3 double at Arlington.

Beschizza, who has not taken a ride in Britain since 2017, won the Arlington Handicap on 8-5 favourite Bandua before he doubled up on Faraway Kitten in the American Derby Stakes.

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