Racing In California
Highclere’s Jason Fildes was in San Diego to see Cachet run in a heart-stopping race at the Breeders’ Cup Festival
An extraordinary few days in California, and a warm welcome from our American hosts, was highlighted by an outstanding performance by Cachet in the $1 million Juvenile Fillies Turf (Grade 1), part of the Breeders’ Cup Festival.
Billed as the World Championship of Racing, this year’s event was held at Del Mar Racecourse, just outside San Diego – described famously by Bing Crosby as, ‘Where the turf meets the surf’.
Del Mar is a tight two-bend oval track, typical of those in the USA and was thought certain to suit the home runners much more than those coming from Europe and the Far East.
A small but enthusiastic group of owners – plus your correspondent – arrived on Wednesday night and the first time we saw Cachet on Thursday morning she was walking out of her barn, cool as anything. This was just before a Breeders’ Cup Opening Breakfast to which the world’s racing press, owners, trainers and jockeys were invited. We were suddenly hit by the scale of the whole event – and the size of the pancakes for breakfast!
After a wonderful, over-the-top Breeders’ Cup Launch Party the previous night, which bizarrely featured a performance by the USA synchronised swimming team, it was suddenly race day and there was a huge atmosphere at the track. Having been whisked to the front gate of the racecourse in our large SUV, full of nervous excitement, we found our outdoor lunch table high up in the stands, in the sunshine, with a perfect view over the finishing line.
Lunch and the early races were a blur of good luck messages from our American hosts and fellow owners until it was time to head down for our race. There were more people in that Del Mar paddock than we had ever seen at a UK racecourse – even at Aintree before the Grand National with 40 runners!
Cachet was unbelievably calm amidst all the noise and bustle – trainer George Boughey was too. They were both completely unfazed throughout the preliminaries. We were delighted to have booked local jockey Luis Saez to take the ride as he was familiar with the course and accustomed to the hullabaloo!
As the bell sounded and the gates opened, Cachet jumped well and was in the front rank as they went past us. At the first bend, Luis had her on the inside and she was in the lead. She took the bend smartly and the order stayed the same all the way down the back straight. The American commentator was now in full swing with his pronunciation: ‘Caassshhhaaay – every step of the way’ and as they came off the home bend, ‘It’s Cassshhhaaay to catch.’
At this point Luis had kicked two lengths clear with a furlong to run. It was unbelievable. The dream was on. She was still in front with 75 yards to run but, with the commentator yelling ‘It’s a wild finish’, they came at her on both sides, the eventual winning filly somehow having found a way up the inside. Cachet battled on gamely to be a length down at the line in fourth. A gutsy run – and one appreciated by all those many people who congratulated us.
George was rightly thrilled and marvelled at what a tough filly she is. She’d run with huge heart and so nearly completed the fairytale!
I’m pleased to say that Cachet is now home, having a well-earned rest – and George has already started planning more overseas rides for next year. I’m sure that all those present wouldn’t miss them for anything!
Highclere – Jason Fildes
01200 444622
07721 311778
jason@highclere.co.uk
highclereracing.co.uk
