Who Were The Winners Of Breeders’ Cup 2023?

Another historic edition of the Breeders’ Cup has come and gone, as Santa Anita hosted one hell of a horse racing party across the early weekend in November. 

There were standout stories across some of the biggest races on track with connections giving early clues as to whether some of the big winners of the significant purses could be back to defend their titles in 2024 at Del Mar. So, you can already start learning how to calculate horse racing odds for next November.

But, who were the winners of the championship race at the Breeders’ Cup 2023?

Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile- Cody’s Wish

There are few more popular horses in training in the United States than Cody’s Wish, and the legendary runner put in a sensational performance to end his illustrious career in the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. The five-year-old needed to showcase his battling qualities with Junior Alvarado on board to beat National Treasure to the line by a nose. 

However, his victory was very quickly overshadowed by the passing of 17-year-old Cody Dorman, whom the horse was named in honor of due to their strong bond. 

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf- Inspiral

Frankie Dettori will be calling the United States home in 2024, as he continues to ride for one more year. He showcased his skills to the racing fans in the U.S. on Breeders’ Cup Saturday by delivering Inspiral in the knick of time in the Filly & Mare Turf to get the better of Warm Head by a neck. 

It was a sensational finish on the turf, with Moira also running a storming race to finish third as the best of the non-European runners. 

Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint- Goodnight Olive

There was significant success for Irad Ortiz and Chad Brown in the Filly & Mare Sprint, as Goodnight Olive once again showcased why she is the leader in the division. 

The five-year-old was well-backed on the day at Santa Anita, and never looked likely to lose her title after staying on strongest to win by a commanding two and three-quarter lengths. Yuugiri was the best of the remainder, as she finished second for trainer Rodolphe Brisset. 

Breeders’ Cup Mile- Master of the Seas

There was more success for Godolphin in the Breeders’ Cup Mile, as the boys in blue won the race for the third straight year. However, for a long time, it looked as though the Godolphin winner would come in the form of Mawj for trainer Saeed bin Suroor and jockey Oisin Murphy. 

However, the three-year-old was ultimately chinned on the line, as Charlie Appleby’s Master of the Seas got up in just in time to lead for William Buick as the line approached. Casa Creed ran an excellent race for trainer William Mott to take third. 

Breeders’ Cup Distaff- Idiomatic

The success for favorites at the Breeders’ Cup continued in the Distaff, as Idiomatic continued her fine progression throughout 2023 by getting the better of Randomized. 

The runner for Brad Cox travelled well throughout the race, and was able to hold on in the final strides despite the strong challenge from the eventual runner-up. Le Da Via was a star runner, as the Chilean-bred runner finished third, with experienced campaigner Clairiere back in fourth. 

Breeders’ Cup Turf- Auguste Rodin

The star-studded Breeders’ Cup Turf was the race of the night for many, and it delivered in terms of high-quality action on the track and entertainment. Aidan O’Brien was bullish surrounding Auguste Rodin’s chances throughout the week, and expert ride from Ryan Moore saw the three-year-old storm to the front of the field before holding on by just under a length from Up To The Mark. 

Connections have already teased that the winner could remain in training, and a potential run in next year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic has been mentioned. 

Breeders’ Cup Classic- White Abarrio

It was a return to the limelight for trainer Richard Dutrow Jr at Santa Anita on Saturday, as Irad Ortiz rode an excellent White Abarrio to success in the Classic. 

The much-loved grey was much the best at Santa Anita, and continued to press home his advantage in the final stages to beat Japanese raider Derma Sotogake by a length. Arabian Knight was back in fourth for Bob Baffert.

Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint- Nobals

The only turf race to be won by the home side came in the Turf Sprint, as Nobals was delivered late by Gerardo Corrales to give Larry Rivelli a Breeders’ Cup success. 

Big Invasion was a strong presence in the final stages, but finished a neck behind the eventual winner. Aidan O’Brien’s Aesop’s Fables was back in third. 

Breeders’ Cup Sprint- Elite Power

A third champion to defend his title came in the final race on the card, as Elite Power was much the best in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint for trainer William Mott. 

The five-year-old was making his final racecourse start, and he held off Gunite by over a length to win as a short-price favorite.