Kentucky-bred Far Bridge denied War Like Goddess a third straight win over males in the $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic (G1), winning a thrilling renewal of the turf marathon on Saturday Sept. 28 during the Belmont at the Big A meet.

Owned by LSU Stables and trained by Christophe Clement, Far Bridge came from off-the-pace under Joel Rosario to earn his third career Grade 1 victory. The 4-year-old son of English Channel employed front-running tactics to win the Sword Dancer (G1) on Aug. 24. And previously, Far Bridge annexed the Belmont Derby (G1) in 2023.

“After the last race, everybody said he stole it which slightly surprised me because I thought everybody had the chance to beat him from the quarter-pole to the wire and nobody finished him. He out finished everybody,” Clement said. “I didn’t think he stole anything, and he proved today he didn’t steal anything because he came from off the pace and managed to win the race.”

On the far turn, Silver Knott (GB) made a move to the lead with War Like Goddess chasing on the outside and Far Bridge rolling along the inside. Full of momentum along the rail, Far Bridge prevailed over War Like Goddess to score by a half-length in the end. It was 4 ¼-lengths back to Silver Knott in third.

“Everything was a little different today, but he was able to put everything together and win the race,” said Rosario. “He’s a horse that can do both. It looked like on paper there was more speed today. The fractions were a little different than last time, and when they go that fast, he can sit behind it. So, that worked.”

Breeders’ Cup Bound

Owner Randy Sarf of LSU Stables expressed optimism about his charge’s possible next start in the Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) Nov. 2 at Del Mar.

“He can be anywhere, any place, any time. He loves the rail the most, but he can be on the outside or even on the lead if he needs to,” Sarf said. “And can come from the back if he wants to. He is in top form right now and he is ready to win the Breeders’ Cup. We’ll give him a nice little rest and he’ll go out to California and we’re going to win the Breeders’ Cup.”

Bred in Kentucky by Calumet Farm, Far Bridge is now a winner in 6-of-13 lifetime starts. He has banked more than $1.7 million.