The 41st edition of the Breeders' Cup, the premier event in the world of thoroughbred racing, has concluded with a resounding success. Over the course of two electrifying days, the finest horses, trainers, and jockeys from around the globe converged at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, vying for a share of the $34 million in prize money on offer. From the triumphant performances of the champions to the unexpected upsets, the 2022 Breeders' Cup has left an indelible mark on the sport, captivating audiences and cementing its status as a true celebration of equine excellence.

A Thrilling Showcase of Equine Prowess

Thorpedo Anna: The Unstoppable Superstar

The undisputed star of the Breeders' Cup was the 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna, who once again demonstrated her dominance in the $2 million Distaff race. Trained by the renowned Kenny McPeek, Thorpedo Anna's commanding 2 1/2-length victory not only cemented her status as the 3-year-old filly champion but also put her firmly in the running for the prestigious Horse of the Year title. Even in her narrow defeat against the males in the Travers Stakes, Thorpedo Anna's unwavering determination and the heart of a true champion shone through, captivating racing enthusiasts worldwide.

Sierra Leone: The Consistent Colt Crowned Champion

Trainer Chad Brown's patience and perseverance paid off in the Classic, as his 3-year-old colt Sierra Leone emerged victorious against a formidable field that included international stars City of Troy and Forever Young, as well as the Jim Dandy and Travers winner, Fierceness. Sierra Leone's consistent performances throughout the year, with a record of 6-2-2-2 and over $6 million in career earnings, have earned him the coveted Eclipse Award for champion 3-year-old male.

Longshot Bettors Strike Gold

For those savvy horseplayers who were willing to take a chance on the underdogs, the 2022 Breeders' Cup proved to be a veritable goldmine. Nine of the 14 winners returned double-digit payouts on a $2 win bet, with Starlust's $69.20 victory in the Turf Sprint being the most lucrative. Other notable longshot winners included Moira ($13.60) in the Filly & Mare Turf, Magnum Force ($27) in the Juvenile Turf Sprint, and Citizen Bull ($33.80) in the Juvenile. These unexpected triumphs not only thrilled the bettors but also added an extra layer of excitement to the already electrifying event.

Japan's Disappointing Debut

Despite high hopes, the 19-horse contingent from Japan failed to find the winner's circle, going 0-for-12 in their Breeders' Cup races. The best they could muster was a second-place finish from Rousham Park in the Turf, who came up just a neck short of the winner, Rebel's Romance. The highly anticipated Forever Young, touted as a potential avenger of his Kentucky Derby defeat, could only manage a non-threatening third-place finish in the Classic. The Japanese trainers and connections will undoubtedly go back to the drawing board, determined to make a stronger impact in future Breeders' Cup editions.

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr.'s Uncharacteristic Struggles

One of the most surprising results of the Breeders' Cup was the struggles of the nation's leading jockey, Irad Ortiz Jr. The rider, who had won three Breeders' Cup races last year and in 2022, went winless in his 11 mounts over the two-day event. On Friday, he finished second twice, and on Saturday, he managed only a third-place finish in the Distaff, with several other disappointing results. Ortiz's inability to find the winner's circle was a stark contrast to his usual dominance, leaving both the jockey and his connections scratching their heads.

Trainers and Jockeys Shine in the Spotlight

Amidst the thrilling races and unexpected outcomes, several trainers and jockeys emerged as the true stars of the Breeders' Cup. Flavien Prat and Ryan Moore each won two races, with Prat earning the prestigious William Shoemaker Award as the top rider based on overall results. Trainer Aidan O'Brien, who now has 20 Breeders' Cup wins, tied the legendary D. Wayne Lukas for the most victories by a trainer. Additionally, six trainers celebrated their first Breeders' Cup wins, including Ger Lyons, Saffie Joseph Jr., Kevin Attard, Dan Blacker, Cherie DeVaux, and Kenny McPeek, further showcasing the depth and diversity of talent in the sport.As the curtain falls on the 41st edition of the Breeders' Cup, the racing world eagerly awaits the return of this prestigious event to the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in 2023. The memories of the thrilling performances, the unexpected triumphs, and the sheer excitement of the two-day extravaganza will undoubtedly linger, fueling the anticipation for what promises to be another unforgettable chapter in the annals of thoroughbred racing.