Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf win a historic one for younger O'Brien

The Europeans, shut out through opening Friday at the Breeders’ Cup, got on the board Saturday when Iridessa made Joseph O’Brien the youngest man to win a championship event as both a jockey and now a trainer.

"It hasn't sunk in yet," said O’Brien, who used to ride for his father, Aidan, and saddled the 13-1 winner of the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, who out-dueled Southern California stalwart Vasilika in the final strides of the $2 million race.

Both Iridess and Vasilika battled well ahead of the 4-5 favorite and defending race winner Sistercharlie, who spun her wheels when getting up to third. The mare entered on a six-race winning streak, all in Grade 1 company, but jockey John Velazquez said she'd prefer turf not quite as firm as at Santa Anita Park.

Any concern about Sistercharlie not getting a proper pace to chase, however, was out when Mirth opened up to to lead by nearly 10 lengths up the back stretch, setting fractions of 23.45, 46.45 and 1:09.68 before tiring.

Iridessa made the early move from mid-pack away from Sistercharlie to complete 10 furlongs in 1:57.77 under jockey Wayne Lordan.

Two veterinary scratches threatened to change the complexion of this race. Earlier this week, vets declared out Thais, a Brown stablemate often entered alongside of Sistercharlie to ensure a nice pace. Saturday morning, the Aidan O’Brien-trained Fleeting, a top European rival, was also scratched to leave a field of 10.

Aidan O’Brien still saddled Just Wonderful in the father vs. son matchup — and before the race, dad said he’d prefer Joseph get this win.

Joseph O'Brien, who rode St. Nicholas Abbey to victory in the 2011 Breeders' Cup Turf, joined Freddy Head as the only men to ride and train winners in the championships' history.

Also, O'Brien, who was the youngest to ride a Breeders' Cup winner all time, is the youngest to train one now, too, at age 26.

"I always got a much bigger kick out of training a winner than riding a winner since I started training," he said. "I can't put it into words just yet. I'm just so grateful to everyone. We've got a great team of lads back home."

Oh, and about the horse: Iridessa, a 3-year-old who will return to training next year, is by Ruler of the World. Bred in Ireland, she's now a four-time Grade or Group 1 winner.

Vasilika, meanwhile, who ran in the name of Dan Ward, assistant to trainer Jerry Hollendorfer, is scheduled to sell at auction next week in Kentucky before becoming a broodmare.

"She’s done everything we’ve asked from her since the day we got her (as a claim). She’s a super horse," Ward said.

“...Hopefully, we don’t sell her. I don’t want to lose her. You know that.”

Peter Brant, who campaigns the champion Sistercharlie, said "we might try and keep her in training."