When Cy Fair surged past the frontrunner and held off a late charge from Brussels (GB), the Del Mar crowd erupted — the kind of cheer that signals the start of something special. The filly’s determined drive down the stretch crowned her the winner of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G1), and in doing so, etched her name alongside Twilight Gleaming (IRE) as only the second filly to ever win this prestigious race.
For trainer George Weaver, it was a long-awaited breakthrough — his first Breeders’ Cup victory after years of persistence. For jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., it marked a record-extending 21st Breeders’ Cup win and his fourth in this very race. And for everyone watching, it was a reminder of how brilliance can come wrapped in raw speed and perfect timing.
A Historic Start to the 42nd Breeders’ Cup
The $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint, the opener to the 42nd Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Del Mar, offered drama and precision in equal measure. Breaking from the gate at $12 odds, Cy Fair tracked pacesetter Schwarzenegger through a sizzling early pace before shifting gears in the upper stretch. With Ortiz keeping her poised and powerful, she took command and never looked back, crossing the line three-quarters of a length clear in a sharp :56.02 for five furlongs over firm turf.
Behind her, Brussels (GB) closed strongly to claim second for Aidan O’Brien, while Aspect Island (GB), piloted by Frankie Dettori in what could be one of his final Breeders’ Cup rides, took third. Obliteration and Schwarzenegger completed the top five.
Emotions Run High in Weaver’s Camp
An emotional George Weaver could barely contain his joy after finally landing a Breeders’ Cup title.
“I can’t describe it. It’s why we all get in the game,” he said. “It’s hard to win these big races, and this is my first Breeders’ Cup. We’ve had a great year — I’m thankful to my staff, to my clients, and especially to this filly. She’s been a bullet all year long.”
Cy Fair, bred in Kentucky, is by Not This Time out of the Arch mare Remarqued. The victory brought her career record to 4-3-1-0 and lifted her earnings to $780,205, including the $520,000 winner’s share from this race.
Irad Ortiz Jr.: Calm, Cool, and Commanding
For Irad Ortiz Jr., the win was both clinical and emotional.
“Beautiful,” Ortiz said simply. “She broke closer than I thought, and after that, I just tried to save some horse for the end — and she was there for me.”
The European Challenge Falls Just Short
Aidan O’Brien’s Brussels (GB) ran valiantly despite a slow start.
“He missed it a tad at the gate, and that probably cost him,” O’Brien said. “He still ran very well. The others — True Love and Mission Central — will improve with distance and experience.”
James Owen’s Aspect Island (GB) produced a career-best third, and veteran Frankie Dettori couldn’t help but smile through the sentiment of what might be his final Cup weekend.
“I don’t know why I’m giving up after that!” he quipped. “He ran a great race, everything went right. He’s improving all the time, and I’d have taken third this morning.”
Weaver’s Filly Among the Elite
As the sun dipped over Del Mar, Cy Fair stood as the picture of promise — a filly who handled pressure, pace, and pedigree in perfect stride. Her victory not only opened the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in dazzling fashion but also gave George Weaver the sweetest reward of his career: a world-stage triumph with a filly destined for greatness.
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