Breeders Cup Glory For Saxon Warrior Via Victoria Road

Victoria Road (2c Saxon Warrior - Tickled Pink, by Invincible Spirit) provided freshman sire Saxon Warrior with a first top-flight success in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf.

Aidan O’Brien’s representative came into the race on an upward curve, having won his last three starts, including at Listed and Group level. Dropping back to a mile at Keeneland,

Speaking after the race, Moore said, “There wasn't much room but there was enough of a gap and my horse showed a really a good attitude to quicken through. He's improved throughout the year and has won his last four now. You'd like to think he'll be more of a three-year-old than a two-year-old.”

Aidan O’Brien is also looking forward to next year with Vcitoria Road and said, “When Ryan rode him the last time in Chantilly, he took his time, came from a long way back, which is a difficult thing to do. Ryan said to me after that he thought he was our French Derby horse for next year. So he's a very exciting horse.”

Bought by MV Magnier as a yearling, Victoria Road is owned by Westerberg, Mrs John Magnier, Michael Tabor and Derrick Smith. He is the sole Stakes performer bred by Trevor Stewart out of Tickled Pink, herself a half-sister to top-class race mare and producer Halfway To Heaven.

Saxon Warrior’s impressive start at stud is led by three Group winners and another three Group performers, including Group 1 Prix Marcel Boussac runner-up Gan Teorainn (Saxon Warrior).