European-trained runners struggled across Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup meeting at Keeneland, but the visiting contingent finally secured a major victory when Benvenuto Cellini and jockey Ryan Moore accelerated clear to capture the $5m Turf.
Ryan Moore’s Tactical Switch
Moore had originally been slated to ride Diamond Necklace, a stablemate from Aidan O’Brien’s stable, but opted to switch to Benvenuto Cellini following an inside stall draw. The tactical change paid off as Moore navigated an inside path to the lead while rounding the turn, moving to the front inside the final furlong to secure a three-quarter-length victory.
The triumph marked Aidan O’Brien’s 28th victory at the top level in 2026, tying his personal record previously established in 2017. O’Brien can establish a new benchmark at the upcoming International meeting in Hong Kong in December.
Aidan O’Brien praised the rider’s composure, stating, “Ryan was calm and relaxed on him and let it happen. He was brilliant on him. He did it again, he had to come out and come round. Time after time he produces on the day. He accepted early he let them go, but he had one bullet to fire which he executed perfectly.”
Benvenuto Cellini remains a potential competitor for the Hong Kong fixture and will remain in training as a four-year-old next year.
Results Across the Card
In the meeting’s most lucrative contest, the $7m Classic, 2025 Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty secured a decisive victory, while Japan’s Forever Young, who won the race the previous year, finished in fifth place. Trained by Bill Mott, the four-year-old gave Godolphin its first-ever Classic victory, following the operation’s maiden Kentucky Derby win in 2025.
Earlier races saw several prominent European contenders fall short of expectations. Notable Speech, conditioned by Charlie Appleby, finished strongly for second behind Deterministic in a bid to defend the Mile title.
In the Filly & Mare Turf, multiple top-tier winner Blue Bolt and Irish 1,000 Guineas victor Precise finished out of the placings behind Kathynmarissa. Meanwhile, Wesley Ward’s Bacio defeated Donnacha O’Brien’s July Cup winner Comanche Brave in the Turf Sprint.
Benvenuto Cellini is now under consideration for a start in Hong Kong before returning to the track next season.
