Toast Of New York to tackle world's richest race after winning Lingfield return

Toast Of New York, who made a winning return to action at Lingfield this month 1,130 days after his previous start, will have next start in the world's richest race, the $16 million Pegasus World Cup.

His owners Al Shaqab have reached a deal with US-based Reeves Thoroughbred Racing to secure one of the of the 12 slots, which cost $1 million each, in the invitational contest at Gulfstream Park on January 27.

Toast Of New York's trainer Jamie Osborne said: "I want to say how grateful I am first to Al Shaqab and Reeves Thoroughbred Racing for giving us the opportunity to allow Toast to compete on this stage.

"A deal has been struck, a joint venture deal between the two parties. He will run in Al Shaqab's colours."

Back with a bang

When he last tackled dirt Toast Of New York was beaten a nose by Bayern with California Chrome third in the 2014 Breeders' Cup Classic. He was then bought by Al Shaqab but never made it back to the track after sustaining a tendon injury.

He was retired to become a stallion, getting ten mares in foal, before it was decided his injury had improved sufficiently to be given another try at racing, which began with a length win in a four-runner conditions race.

Osborne said: "He has taken the run super. We have 42 days now before the race. I feel the timing is ideal for him. He will leave England on January 18, come out of quarantine on January 21, and be ready to run on January 27."

Toast Of New York will probably meet Gun Runner, this year's Breeders' Cup Classic winner, who was too good for Arrogate at Del Mar.

"We are well aware that he needs to step up from the Lingfield performance but I am confident he will," the trainer said. "He will have a set of circumstances in front of him at Gulfstream Park that I consider are perfect – nine furlongs on dirt."

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