The 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar delivered a championship-defining moment as Sierra Leone defeated his fellow 3-year-olds Fierceness and Forever Young, redeeming his lofty reputation after four consecutive losses.
This $7 million race saw Sierra Leone claim a substantial $3.64 million for his owners and put him back in contention for champion 3-year-old male honors, likely positioning him as a top choice for the Eclipse Award and future horse racing schedule headliners.
Sierra Leone’s Background and Bloodline
A son of Gun Runner, a horse racing odds favorite, Sierra Leone was bred for greatness, purchased for $2.3 million by prominent owners Peter Brant, Susan Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, and Brook Smith at Fasig-Tipton’s The Saratoga Sale in 2022.
His bloodline combines Gun Runner’s strength with the class of his dam, Malibu Moon mare Heavenly Love, a Grade 1 winner. His victory on Saturday fulfilled the high expectations set by his connections, who envisioned him excelling in races of this caliber.
Sierra Leone narrowly missed victory in the Kentucky Derby earlier this year, finishing second by a nose to Mystic Dan after bumping with Forever Young in the stretch. However, his performance in the Breeders’ Cup Classic was flawless.
Under the skilled guidance of Flavien Prat, Sierra Leone ran a professional race from start to finish. Positioned in 11th early in the 14-horse field, Prat kept him on the outside alongside City of Troy, a top-rated turf horse attempting his first dirt race under Ryan Moore. Although City of Troy struggled with the dirt kickback, Sierra Leone thrived, picking off rivals as he moved up on the backstretch and second turn.
The Winning Strategy in the Breeders’ Cup Classic
The pace was fast, with Japanese entry Derma Sotogake setting fractions of :22.43, :44.96, and 1:09.44. As the field approached the stretch, Sierra Leone made his move, surging from eighth after six furlongs to third after a mile.
Fierceness, who had taken over from Derma Sotogake, found himself under pressure as Sierra Leone powered past him in early stretch to win by 1 1/2 lengths, clocking in at 2:00.78. Forever Young, who had stalked the pace in fourth, finished evenly in third, while Newgate, an older standout, finished fourth.
For trainer Chad Brown, the Classic win marked his 19th Breeders’ Cup victory and his first in this prestigious race. Reflecting on Sierra Leone’s near-miss in the Derby, Brown expressed the importance of this triumph, calling it a “huge dirt race” accomplishment for both the horse and his connections.
Flavien Prat, the winning jockey, celebrated his second Classic win, having previously won with Flightline in 2022. Prat, who also won the Filly & Mare Turf aboard Moira, noted that the favorable pace allowed him to keep Sierra Leone well-positioned to close on the leaders.
Future Implications and Horse of the Year Considerations
Historically, Breeders’ Cup Classic winners often gain favor for North American Horse of the Year honors. Although White Abarrio didn’t surpass Dirt Mile winner Cody’s Wish last year, the Classic remains a pivotal achievement.
While Sierra Leone’s victory boosts his standing, the 3-year-old filly Thorpedo Anna, with her near-perfect season and Distaff win, may still have an edge for Horse of the Year. Brown, Sierra Leone’s trainer, expressed admiration for Thorpedo Anna’s record, particularly her impressive Travers performance against male horses.
Gun Runner, Sierra Leone’s sire and a prominent stallion at Three Chimneys Farm, continues to excel as the second-leading sire in North America, commanding a fee of $250,000. Sierra Leone’s Grade 1 win adds to Gun Runner’s successful progeny this year, which includes other top performers like Gun Pilot, Vahva, and Society.
Sierra Leone’s Classic victory was a defining moment, securing his legacy and potentially setting the stage for an impactful 2025 season if he returns to the track.
