There was a moment, just before the field moved toward the turf chute, when Flavien Prat leaned forward and pressed his hand softly against Segesta’s neck — a brief gesture of trust between horse and rider that preceded her finest hour. Moments later, the Juddmonte homebred surged into racing history, securing her first top-level victory in the Matriarch Stakes at Del Mar and delivering a performance that felt both polished and overdue.
For a mile on the firm course, the four-year-old daughter of Ghostzapper travelled with purpose, never far from the rhythm of the leaders. Prat kept her poised, asking only when needed, and when the field straightened for home the response was immediate. Segesta lengthened stride with conviction, widening her advantage with every bound until she crossed the post two and a quarter lengths clear in 1:35.60, all without appearing stretched to her limit.
It was a moment that echoed seasons of patience and progression. This was her fourth career success, all on turf, and one that lifted her earnings beyond the million-dollar mark — a milestone that felt fitting for a filly who has hovered on the cusp of elite class. Trainer Chad Brown, long respected for nurturing grass specialists, added yet another Matriarch trophy to a record that now includes seven wins across the last nine editions.
Matriarch Stakes Result: Segesta Commands the Stage
Behind Segesta, In Our Time stayed on gamely to take second, just ahead of Ag Bullet in third, after a steady drive through the closing strides. The margin behind the winner mattered little, though; the afternoon belonged to the chestnut who finally announced herself as Grade I calibre with authority and grace.
Prat later spoke of a filly who wanted to do things right — sharp early, responsive late, but still learning how to break rivals rather than merely pass them. Assistant trainer Jose Hernandez echoed the sentiment, proud of a horse who had often come close at this level and now met the moment head-on.
There was no flash of drama, no frantic finish — just a talented mare rising to her ceiling in her eleventh start, supported by a team that believed she would get there. On Sunday at Del Mar, belief became reality.
For more stories, results, and updates from the world of horse racing, stay tuned to racebuzz
