Del Mar, ‘where the ‘surf meets the turf’, the 2024 Breeders Cup’ had everything! Incredible racing, perfect weather and a taste of American cuisine was exactly what we hoped for, and we got it!
We began early with our flight from London to San Diego and before we knew it, we were there! The perks of being on a long-haul flight meant there was ample opportunity to get some rest and recharge the batteries ahead of an enthralling journey in California! Awaiting on arrival was our private transfer, ready to take us to the Pendry Hotel, which is perfectly located, only a stone’s throw away from local shops, cuisines, bars and café’s.
A relaxed evening ensured we were raring to go the following morning and for the early risers, they were in for a real treat! We set off for Del Mar Racecourse, for a behind-the-scenes view of the horses in their final preparations for the weekends action. We enjoyed a beautiful breakfast which catered for everyone and whilst seeing the biggest stars working on track, it was rather surreal! We returned to the hotel mid-morning, and everyone enjoyed a day at leisure to explore the beautiful city of San Diego.
Friday marked Future Stars Day, the first of two exhilarating days at Del Mar. After a comfortable transfer, the group were set and ready to enjoy the racecourse’s premier viewing from reserved seats in the Stretch Run Grandstand, a perfect vantage point for witnessing equine legends in the making. The racing began and the first Grade 1 of the weekend went to Ireland as Magnum Force and Colin Keane came with a power packed finish to beat Arizona Blaze, a great result for Irish racing. That didn’t stop either as Lake Victoria stole the headlines with a blistering turn of foot to destroy her rivals under Ryan Moore, establishing herself as one of the best fillies in training and another superstar for the legendary trainer, Aidan O’Brien. After an enthralling day on course, it was time to head back to the hotel and a good night’s sleep was certainly needed!
Saturday arrived in no time, and this was the pinnacle: Champions Day. All the stars of the game arrived at the course to prove to everybody that they were the best, and it sure delivered! More European dominance kicked off the Grade 1 action as Starlust and Rossa Ryan gave their trainer Ralph Beckett another big success, just weeks after the combination won the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with Bluestocking! As is usual with the Breeders' Cup however, it is never short of drama. Rossa Ryan was taken to the stewards and after a lengthy enquiry, he managed to keep hold of the race – much to his delight and certainly of his trainer.
The action didn’t stop there though and Thorpedo Anna and Rebel’s Romance both took home Grade 1 victories with impressive performances, much to the delight of many punters who were looking for the favourites to fill their pockets with dollars! But now it was time for the big one, the Breeders' Cup Classic. A race what was spoken about for months with European superstar City Of Troy lining up to take on the established dirt horses from America, it all came down to this.
They left the stalls and after missing the break, City Of Troy was put on the backfoot, and it soon became apparent that he was struggling. They soared past the winning line for the first time and the crowd roared the runners past. Fierceness took the lead as they rounded the final bend but was quickly taken on by Sierra Leone who sat off the ferocious early gallop and pounced! The pair kicked clear and in a thrilling battle, it was Sierra Leone who took home the prize to rewrite the history books! The group enjoyed the closing races of the card which brought an end to an amazing weekend of racing, but that wasn’t us finished!
Sunday arrived and after two days of racing, everybody enjoyed a well-earned day of leisure. With options like a hop-on, hop-off trolley tour or simply wandering the lively streets of the Gaslamp Quarter, the city was there to be discovered. In the evening, the group reconvened for a magical sunset dinner cruise around San Diego Bay. Aboard the Flagship Cruises vessel, a three-course meal and champagne set the stage for an unforgettable farewell to this incredible American journey we had been on.
As Monday morning awoke us, we set off on our journey back to London reflecting on an incredible few days in San Diego. An amazing two days of racing with memories made to last a lifetime, we can’t wait to head back!
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