Sierra Leone Breeders Cup Classic

Sierra Leone secured a dramatic victory in the $7 million Breeders' Cup Classic at Del Mar, winning by 1 1/2 lengths under jockey Flavien Prat. This win marked a significant turnaround for the 3-year-old colt, who had faced a series of close defeats, including a controversial second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Trainer Chad Brown expressed his joy over the horse's redemption, emphasizing Sierra Leone's consistency and resilience throughout his career. The race saw Sierra Leone come from behind to overtake the favorite, Fierceness, who finished second, while Japan's Forever Young took third. The event was overshadowed by the tragic collapse of a horse during the Turf race, prompting calls for an investigation into horse welfare. Brown's victory tied him with trainer Aidan O'Brien for the most Breeders' Cup wins at 19.