Goldencents: Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile Legend
On October 31, 2014, a fog hung over the San Gabriel Mountains at Santa Anita Racetrack but a luminous bay with two stockings on his back legs and a white stripe on his head held everyone’s focus as he turned away Tapiture to win his second consecutive Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile. Jockey Rafael Bejarano was in the irons for both Dirt Mile victories, earning the Southern California jockey his fifth Breeders' Cup win.
Goldencents went off as the 7-10 favorite as he attempted to be the first to ever win the race twice. Leondro Mora, Doug O’Neill’s longtime assistant saddled Goldencents as O’Neill was serving a suspension. But this did not dampen the joy everyone felt with the big win. They were especially overjoyed, as this would be his last race and he was going out in a big way. It had already been announced that the Into Mischief colt would retire to Spendthrift for stallion duty.
In his first Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile, Goldencents took the lead and never let it go. He would do the same in year two. He put Vicar’s Trouble away with a sizzling half in 44 4/5. Then, held off Tapiture down the stretch to win by 1 1/4 lengths.
The captivating colt would finish his career with a record of 18-7-7-0 and $3,044,000 in earnings. Doug O’Neill purchased the colt as a yearling at the OBS June Sale for $62,000.
I went to Spendthrift to see the only repeat Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile winner last June 1st. The staff were in a jovial mood. Spendthrift owner, B.Wayne Hughes was marrying his longtime companion in Malibu.
I was taken on a tour of the farm, then Goldencents was brought out. He walked out in a regal manner, holding his head high and stopping to survey his surroundings. He seemed used to fawning fans as he stood still for photos and hugs. I also asked to see Flat Out, who was one of my favorites, and who had beaten Goldencents in the Cigar Mile. He turned out to be a big ham who lapped up the adoration he was receiving. I was told that both stallions were thriving in their new career.
Goldencents officially sired his first foal, when a filly was born on January 14th at Le Mesa Farm in Carencro, Louisiana. Bred by Dale Ladner, the filly is out of the Gold Tribute mare Scarlet Tribute, a multiple stakes-placed juvenile on the track.
The Breeders' Cup Dirt Mile is less than two months away. It’s always been one of my favorite races. But for me, the 2013 & 2014 editions will always be Goldencents' Yellow Brick Road.