Saint Liam Wins Breeder's Cup Classic

Saint Liam did not disappoint expectations when he bagged the $4 million Breeders' Cup Classic race at the 2005 Breeders' Cup World Thoroughbred Championships on Saturday, October 29 at Belmont Park, New York

This year's prime horse racing event also whipped up several surprises especially in the Distaff division where 30-1 long shot Pleasant Home stole the title from last year's winner and heavy favorite, Ashado, who only finished third this time.

Equally surprising is Lost In the Fog's loss to Silver Train in the Sprint division. Lost in the Fog, who entered the Sprint unbeaten in 10 starts, held a narrow advantage into the stretch before faltering through the final furlong to finish seventh as the 3-5 favorite.

Saint Liam held no.1 ranking in this year's World Thoroughbred Championship poll. This foal of Saint Ballado made his stakes debut rather inauspiciously, having sent away at 73-to-1 odds in the 2003 Arkansas Derby when finishing seventh by nearly 15 lengths. He entered 2005 to rise as the top-ranked Classic runner in the world after wins in the Donn, Stephen Foster and Woodward – all Grade 1s.

He has had a brilliant race record this year, and what a way to wrap it up.

Winning jockey Jerry Bailey won his Breeders' Cup-leading 15th race and fifth Classic. It also may have been his final ride in a Breeders' Cup event since he reportedly has been contemplating retirement. "If this was my last Breeders' Cup race, then it's a great way to go out," Bailey said.

For complete 2005 Breeders Cup Race Results simply click here!