The Breeders’ Cup will be held at Del Mar for the second time in the event’s history this year, which makes it the ideal time to look back on the first time the track hosted the races in 2017.
As one of North America’s elite racing venues, hosting the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar made perfect sense, and the on-track product lived up to expectations, with plenty of strong winners and exciting finishes.
Ahead of this year’s return to Del Mar, we asked some participants in this year’s Breeders’ Cup to recall what memory stuck out to them the most from the last time the event was held where the turf meets the surf.
Nick Hines – Jockey Agent, Bloodstock Agent, TVG Host
“In regards to the gambling, it really came down to Good Magic (in the Juvenile). He pretty much saved the day for me, because he came in heralded enough, but still considered under the radar, which is kind of surprising for a Chad Brown horse, but it was the turning point for me cashing a pretty sizable return. All the money was in on Bolt d’Oro, Good Magic was a maiden coming in for Chad Brown, and it made me wonder why he’d take a chance with a maiden in the Breeders’ Cup. With his pedigree, and coming out of the Breeders’ Cup, I thought this horse was going to adore two turns.”
Kate Hunter – Breeders’ Cup Japanese Field Representative
“Back in 2017, I unfortunately had the recruit fall through, but I attended anyway for the experience. What I remember most, though, is walking around the grandstand gawking at the photos of Bing Crosby, my all-time favorite singer. Walking in his shoes and being at his track felt really special. It was a feeling I was able to linger in since I was just there as a spectator. I wallowed in it.”
David Meah – Meah/Lloyd Bloodstock, Anna Meah Racing Stables
“My memory of that Breeders’ Cup was being there with Anna, who I had recently married back in August that year, and sharing the weekend with good friends from around the globe. Breeders’ Cup for me is a fantastic occasion, being from England and living in America for such a long time (16 years at that time). It’s fantastic when lots of my old friends come into town and we all catch up.
“Beyond that, I remember the weather being perfect, especially for the horses. I think It was around 69 degrees and it wasn’t to hot at all. It was heavenly. We were spoiled, as per usual, with these world championship races and one horse that stood out to me was the amazingly handsome Talismanic (in the Turf). When he walked by me in the paddock, I knew where my $2 (maybe a little more) was going, and at 14-1, you’d better believe the drinks were flowing that evening.”
Walker Hancock – Claiborne Farm
“My cousin Lynn talking us out of including Talismanic in our Pick 6, costing us $388,423.”
Aron Wellman – Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners
“For me, it was a selfish memory of Eclipse’s colt Destin winning the Marathon Stakes (on the Breeders’ Cup undercard). It was on my home track, and Todd Pletcher’s first ever win at Del Mar.”
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This entry was posted in Breeders’ Cup, Breeders’ Cup Buzz and tagged Aron Wellman, Breeders’ Cup, Claiborne Farm, David Meah, Del Mar, destin, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, good magic, Horse Racing, Kate Hunter, Nick Hines, Talismanic, walker hancock by Joe Nevills. Bookmark the permalink.
