Audible wins first running of Qatar Cherokee Run Stakes

Todd Pletcher-trained Audible returned to the course with a bang, afterstaying off for six months, to win the Qatar Cherokee Run Stakes atChurchill 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, werepresent at the event and First Secretary Khater Mohamed Khater al-Khaterawarded the winners, in presence of Minister Plenipotentiary Dr HamadMohamed Hussain Ali al-Muftah, Second Secretary Ahmad AbdulrahmanMohamed Abdulrahman al-Jufairi and Second Secretary Fahad Ali SaedKhamis al-Nuaimi. Ridden by Javier Castellano, the three-year-oldcovered the seven furlongs over the fast main track in 1:22.47.“He did everything like a professional today,” said Castellano. “Theseven furlongs may have been a bit short, but he handled everything likea pro. We broke great and got into a great position with the pace upfront.”Audible is owned by WinStar Farm, China Horse Club, Head of PlainsPartners and Starlight Racing. Following the race, Dr al-Muftahexpressed 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 illustriouspartnership between the QREC and the Breeders’ Cup, which bringstogether two legends of the sport of kings. The event had special significance this year as it saw a very specialachievement and a historic win by Enable in the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Shesecured the dream double by becoming the first Qatar Prix de l’Arc deTriomphe winner ever to win at the Breeders’ Cup in the same year.”