Breeders’ Cup a success for Rancho Santa Fe residents

The 29th Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships was held Nov. 2-3 at Santa Anita Park in Arcadia. Nearly 170 horses from around the globe competed in 15 races worth more than $25 million, many of which decided top honors for the year. About a dozen runners with local ties participated; among the owners represented were Bill Strauss (Del Mar), Bruce Chandler (Rancho Santa Fe), Gary Jones (Del Mar), Gary and Mary West (Rancho Santa Fe), Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners (Del Mar/Rancho Santa Fe), Mike Pegram (Del Mar), and Tom and Jonnell Sanford (Del Mar). Strauss found success that Saturday when his 4-year-old filly Mizdirection — whom he co-owns in partnership with sports broadcaster Jim Rome, Grohs, Beljak and KMN Racing — edged favorite Unbridled’s Note to win the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint by a half-length.

The Breeders’ Cup — which rotates among tracks in North America— will be at Santa Anita again next year. For more, see page 3. (Above, left) Power Broker, owned by Rancho Santa Fe residents Gary and Mary West, in the post parade for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, in which he placed fifth. (Above, right) Title Contender, one of two horses owned by Rancho Santa Fe’s Gary and Mary West who competed in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, returns from his eighth-place effort. Photos/Kelley Carlson