Kentucky-bred Dornoch made it back-to-back Grade 1 victories with a determined score in the $1 million Haskell Stakes (G1) at Monmouth Park on Saturday, July 20. The front-running win earned Dornoch a berth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) on Nov. 2 as the Haskell is part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.

A 3-year-old son of Good Magic trained by Danny Gargan, Dornoch is owned by West Paces Racing, R.A. Hill Stable, Belmar Racing and Breeding, Two Eight Racing, and Pine Racing Stables. Notching his second straight Grade 1 win after annexing the Belmont Stakes (G1) in his previous start, Dornoch proved his last win was no fluke.

“Turning for home it was a fight,” said Gargan. “He finds that late kick, that late gear that you need. He has the will to win. He finds a way to win. He’s put it together now.”

Sent off as the second choice in the field of seven, Dornoch received pressure from Timberlake throughout. In the stretch, Dornoch was tested by Mindframe but held that rival at bay again after defeating him in the Belmont. Ridden by Luis Saez, Dornoch covered the 1 1/8 miles in 1:50.31.

“Today was not an easy race but he has a big heart,” said Saez. “He always breaks from there and wants to be on the engine. The plan was to break good and put him in the race. Mindframe was coming at him, and we knew he was the horse to beat, but we got the victory. He’s a special horse.”

Travers Stakes Next for Dornoch

Next up for Dornoch will be the prestigious Travers Stakes (G1) at 1 ¼ miles at Saratoga on Aug. 24.

“He will not have any problem getting any more distance,” said Saez. “He has already gotten a mile and a quarter and that’s more comfortable for him. He’s a big horse with a big stride and he can run all day.”

Gargan was emotional following the Haskell.

“Winning this race meant a lot to me, a whole lot,” he said. “You have no idea how much this means. “This race was five weeks before the Travers, which made the timing perfect. We want to win the Travers. He’s always been special to all of us.

“He’s probably the leading 3-year-old right now and if we can win the Travers that would be three Grade 1 wins for us. He’s such a great horse and we’re blessed just to be part of it.”

Bred in Kentucky by Grandview Farm, Dornoch was a $325,000 Keeneland September graduate in 2022. He is produced from the graded stakes-placed Big Brown mare Puca and is a full brother to Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage.