Todd Pletcher-trained Audible returned to the course with a bang, after
staying off for six months, to win the Qatar Cherokee Run Stakes at
Churchill Downs on the second day of the Breeders’ Cup last week.
The Grade 1 winner kicked late to go by the field and win the race, which was reserved for three-year-olds, by two lengths.
Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club (QREC) was sponsor of the race.
Officials of the Embassy of the State of Qatar in Washington, DC, were
present at the event and First Secretary Khater Mohamed Khater al-Khater
awarded the winners, in presence of Minister Plenipotentiary Dr Hamad
Mohamed Hussain Ali al-Muftah, Second Secretary Ahmad Abdulrahman
Mohamed Abdulrahman al-Jufairi and Second Secretary Fahad Ali Saed
Khamis al-Nuaimi. Ridden by Javier Castellano, the three-year-old
covered the seven furlongs over the fast main track in 1:22.47.
“He did everything like a professional today,” said Castellano. “The
seven furlongs may have been a bit short, but he handled everything like
a pro. We broke great and got into a great position with the pace up
front.”
Audible is owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of Plains
Partners and Starlight Racing. Following the race, Dr al-Muftah
expressed his pleasure with the prestigious event.
“It is a pleasure to be part of this prestigious event, which bears the name of the State of Qatar,” he said.
“We are proud of QREC’s sponsorship of this race and of the illustrious
partnership between the QREC and the Breeders’ Cup, which brings
together two legends of the sport of kings.
The event had special significance this year as it saw a very special
achievement and a historic win by Enable in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. She
secured the dream double by becoming the first Qatar Prix de l’Arc de
Triomphe winner ever to win at the Breeders’ Cup in the same year.”
