In a thrilling display of equine excellence, the Canadian-bred mare Moira, trained by Kevin Attard, etched her name in the annals of horse racing history by winning the prestigious Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf race on November 2, 2024. This landmark victory not only cemented Attard's status as a rising star in the training ranks but also ignited a renewed sense of pride and optimism within the Canadian racing community.

Powering Through the Ranks: Moira's Remarkable Journey

Overcoming Adversity, Reaching the Pinnacle

Moira's path to the Breeders' Cup triumph was paved with determination and resilience. After a fifth-place finish at the Breeders' Cup in 2022 and a third-place run at Santa Anita the following year, the team behind Moira made the strategic decision to forego a shot at the Canadian Triple Crown and instead focus on establishing the mare as a Grade 1 stakes winner on the turf. This decision proved to be a masterstroke, as Moira went on to secure a pair of Grade 2 victories, including a win in the Beverly D Stakes at Colonial Downs that earned her a spot in the Breeders' Cup.

A Confident Ride and a Thrilling Finish

On the day of the Breeders' Cup Filly and Mare Turf, Moira was given a masterful ride by jockey Flavien Prat. Prat expertly navigated the mare through the field, moving her up several positions down the backstretch to get closer to the pace. Moira then seized the lead from her stablemate, Full Count Felicia, early in the stretch and dug deep to hold off her challengers and cross the finish line a half-length ahead of her closest pursuers. Attard, watching the race unfold, admitted to being momentarily concerned that Moira had made her move too soon, but the filly's ability to "turn on and off" proved to be the winning formula.

A Bittersweet Farewell: Moira's Next Chapter

The Breeders' Cup weekend, however, was not without its bittersweet moments. Just two days after her historic victory, Moira was sold for a staggering $4.3 million US to Australian bloodstock interests, with the possibility of her racing in Australia before transitioning to a second career as a broodmare. For Attard, this was one of the most difficult moments of his career, as he had to say goodbye to a horse that had become so integral to his personal and professional life.

The Rise of Caitlinhergrtness: Attard's Next Superstar

While the departure of Moira was undoubtedly a significant loss, Attard's stable has a new rising star in the form of Caitlinhergrtness. The filly, who had earlier this year given Attard his second Queen's Plate win, faced a stern test in the $135,000 Maple Leaf Stakes, where she finished a respectable fourth against older mares. Attard remains confident in Caitlinhergrtness' potential, describing her as "very versatile" and potentially even more so than Moira. The trainer is excited to see what the future holds for this talented young filly as she continues to develop and mature.

A Landmark Victory for Canadian Horse Racing

Moira's Breeders' Cup triumph was a watershed moment for Canadian horse racing. She became the first Canadian-bred horse to win a Breeders' Cup race since 2015 and the first Woodbine-based horse to do so since 2011. Attard, a Woodbine-based trainer, also joined an elite group of Canadians to have trained a Breeders' Cup winner, further cementing the country's growing influence in the sport. This victory not only brought immense pride to the Canadian racing community but also served as a testament to the depth and quality of the talent that continues to emerge from the nation's racetracks.