Reigning Horse of Year Thorpedo Anna Wins Fleur de Lis at Churchill Downs

Thorpedo Anna, the reigning Horse of the Year, rebounded impressively from a last-place finish in the La Troienne Stakes by winning the Grade 2, $500,000 Fleur de Lis Stakes at Churchill Downs. Ridden by Brian Hernandez Jr., she stalked the pace set by Royal Spa before taking the lead in the stretch to win by three lengths, securing an automatic berth to defend her Breeders' Cup Distaff title. Trainer Kenny McPeek noted that they had not pushed her too hard leading up to the race due to the hot weather and were confident in her tactical ability and smooth rhythm during the race. Despite some criticism about the level of competition, Thorpedo Anna has now won 11 of 13 career starts, including six Grade 1 stakes, and plans include running next at Saratoga and Keeneland. The victory erased doubts stemming from the rough trip in the La Troienne, where she was bumped early and lost momentum, with connections expressing confidence in her bounce-back ability. This win solidifies her status as the division’s queen and favorite for upcoming major races.