Iridessa Gains Landmark Breeders Cup Victory

Saturday saw Joseph O’Brien become the youngest trainer to win a Breeders’ Cup race when Iridessa (3f Ruler Of The World - Senta’s Dream, by Danehill) captured the Fillies & Mares Turf at Santa Anita.

The bay also provided Wayne Lordan with his first success at the meeting, which was fitting, given that he has now partnered the filly in all four of her top-level victories. Lordan commented after the race, "Every Flat jockey wants to win races like the Derby or an Arc, and the Breeders' Cup is one of them. Lucky for me, Joseph looks after me very well, and this filly has looked after me even better, so it was great to get a win here.”

Success came by a neck from dual Grade 1 winner Vasilika, with another two and a quarter lengths back to the favourite Sistercharlie in third. Saturday marked Iridessa’s fifth career victory, with owner Mrs CC Regalado-Gonzalez privately purchasing her after an impressive maiden win as a two-year-old.

Bred by Whisperview Trading, Iridessa comes from the first crop of Derby hero Ruler Of The World, who relocates to Haras de Bouquetot for the 2020 season. The best performer produced by her dam, she is a granddaughter of fellow Breeders Cup Fillies & Mare Turf heroine Starine, who beat Banks Hill and Islington in her prestigious victory.