Enable makes history with gutsy Breeders' Cup Turf win

John Gosden, trainer of the super filly Enable, quipped just before Saturday’s Breeders’ Cup Turf that “it certainly hasn’t been an easy ride in.”

A horse that missed most of her season due to a setback, then went back-to-back in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe with just one prep. To boot, she was greeted upon her arrival to the United States be a deluge that left the ground “good” for Saturday’s race.

No matter.

Making a further case that she’s the best horse in training — anywhere — the Juddmonte Farms runner swung as wide as you’ll see into the stretch of Churchill Downs’ turf course and topped Magical to win the Turf.

"I went for better ground, and she found another gear," said jockey Frankie Dettori.

In doing so, Enable made history as the only horse to win the Arc and Turf in the same season. She’s also unbeaten in seven starts at the 1 1/2-mile distance having finished it in 2:32.65 under the Twin Spires.

"It's been a difficult year, and she's done it through her mental strength," Gosden said. "She needed that down the stretch. I knew Magical was the one who was going to come at us. She was impressive. She's a 3-year-old filly coming in top form.

"...It was a tremendous stretch run and a long way back to whoever the third was. Two fantastic fillies."

A daughter of Nathaniel, Enable was wide throughout, but uncharacteristically so in the stretch as the Aidan O’Brien-trained Magical pushed out. In the final strides, the outcome determined, Dettori pumped his fist in celebration.

Enable was off at 4-5.

By the way, that horse way back in third was Sadler's Joy, the noted closer able to hone in after the opening half mile went in 49.11 seconds and the mile in 1:40.55.

Juddmonte's racing manager, Lord Teddy Grimthorpe, said a decision has not been made on whether Enable will continue racing next year at age 5. A nodding Dettori encouraged him in the winner's circle, and with a laugh: "Yes, say yes!"