Godolphin’s Kentucky homebred Highland Falls notched his first Grade 1 win with an impressive victory in the $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) at Saratoga on Sunday, Sept. 2. With the win, Highland Falls earned a berth in the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1).
Ridden by Flavien Prat, Highland Falls came away in good order in the 1 ¼-mile test. He tracked race favorite Arthur’s Ride while inside that foe, prompting the pace throughout. Highland Falls turned up the pressure with a half mile to run, overtaking Arthur’s Ride outside the sixteenth pole. He drove clear to win as much the best by four lengths at the finish. Highland Falls covered the distance in 2:03.25 for trainer Brad Cox.
“I thought if one horse could handle the distance, it was him,” said Prat of his mount. “We wanted to break running and then try to make a good pace. That was the case, and we got past the wire for the first time, it felt like Arthur’s Ride was going a bit quicker, easier than me. But I was able to get him outside after that and give him another push. He was just a well of stamina.”
Highland Falls Racing’s Newest Millionaire
Highland Falls won the nine-furlong Blame S. (G3) in June at Churchill Downs and then finished second to Tapit Trice in the Monmouth Cup (G3) in July. Now a winner in five of nine lifetime starts, the Godolphin homebred became a millionaire with his Jockey Gold Cup win. He now boasts earnings of $1,192,060.
“Flavien gave him every chance to win the race,” said Cox. “When they straightened up, it looked like he was getting the better of him. Then I started watching the horses coming from the back—watching Disarm, Pyrenees and the horses I thought might be closing late. He held them at bay. I was very proud of the effort.”
By Curlin out of the multiple Grade 1-winning Awesome Again mare Round Pound, Highland Falls is a half-brother to Group 1 winner Long River. Cox indicated he will come up with a game plan for getting his charge to the Breeders’ Cup Classic.