LEXINGTON, KY – Benvenuto Cellini secured victory in the $5 million GI Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland on Saturday, providing a much-needed win for European horses after several disappointments earlier in the day. The chestnut colt, trained by Aidan O’Brien, managed to prevail despite a season marked by ups and downs.
Your might recall that the day began with a clean sweep for European entrants in the three turf races on Friday, but that momentum faltered as some leading contenders stumbled. Horses like Comanche Brave, Blue Bolt, and Notable Speech faced defeats, heightening the stakes for the Turf event.
Benvenuto Cellini’s journey to this race has been tumultuous. He won the Irish Derby and placed third in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, but inconsistencies, including a difficult experience at the Epsom Derby and a ninth-place finish in the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, left questions about his capability. Nonetheless, Ryan Moore, Benvenuto Cellini’s jockey, remained confident in their partnership.
“Aidan has been telling me this is a Breeders’ Cup horse for quite a long time,” said Peter Brant, a representative for the Coolmore partners, emphasizing his faith in the horse’s potential. After a thrilling race, Benvenuto Cellini finished three-quarters of a length ahead of runner-up Map Of Stars, marking a standout moment for O’Brien, who achieved his record-extending 24th Breeders’ Cup victory.
O’Brien stated, “Ryan was calm and relaxed on him and let it happen. He was brilliant on him and had to come out and come round.” He added that Benvenuto Cellini had performed better in the Arc than it appeared, as he faced challenging conditions during that race.
Brant’s excitement was palpable as he reflected on the horse’s performance, recalling that Benvenuto Cellini had shown a sudden burst of speed in the final stretch. “I’m lost for words. I just am so proud,” he remarked.
The day, however, did not wrap up as hoped for all European entrants. Notable Speech, the defending champion in the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile, fell short of a fairytale ending, finishing second after a hard-fought effort, as trainer Charlie Appleby voiced his frustration over the horse’s slow start.
A full analysis of the day’s events indicates that European horses largely filled the top positions, with only a few exceptions. Benvenuto Cellini’s victory brought a level of redemption, while other European runners faced challenges, including a disappointing finish for Blue Bolt, who placed 11th in the GI Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
The success of Benvenuto Cellini could lead to more opportunities in the future, with plans for him to remain in training through 2027 and a potential appearance in Hong Kong on the horizon.
