Bob Baffert Wins Record Sixth Breeders' Cup Juvenile Title

Ryan Moore celebrates after riding Lake Victoria to victory in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf horse race at Santa Anita Park in Del Mar, Calif., Friday, Nov. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

In an exciting race at Del Mar, Citizen Bull emerged victorious in the $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile, securing a 1 1/2-length win over Gaming. The Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert celebrated a remarkable 1-2 finish, marking his sixth career victory in the prestigious race for 2-year-olds.

Ridden skillfully by Martin Garcia, Citizen Bull completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:43.07, defying the odds at 15-1 and paying $33.80 for the win. This triumph also earned Citizen Bull 30 qualifying points for the upcoming Kentucky Derby, signaling Baffert's return to the event next year after his three-year ban by Churchill Downs concluded in July.

Gaming, the 6-1 third choice, put up a strong performance to secure the second spot, while Baffert's other entry, Getaway Car, finished fourth at 25-1 odds. Baffert expressed his excitement at the outcome, stating, 'It's exciting when your horses show up. I was hoping they'd run 1-2-3.'

Bob Baffert celebrates sixth career win in prestigious 2-year-old race.

Citizen Bull wins $2 million Breeders' Cup Juvenile with 1 1/2-length victory.

Martin Garcia skillfully rides Citizen Bull to victory in 1:43.07 time.

Citizen Bull defies odds at 15-1, earns 30 Kentucky Derby qualifying points.

Gaming finishes second, Baffert's Getaway Car places fourth in race.

Baffert breaks tie with D. Wayne Lukas for most Juvenile victories.

Jockey Martin Garcia clinches fifth Breeders' Cup win with exceptional performance.

Exciting races continue with nine more Cup races on Saturday.

Magnum Force, Immersive, and Lake Victoria also secure victories in other races.

This victory marked Baffert's 19th career Breeders' Cup win, breaking the tie with D. Wayne Lukas for the most Juvenile victories. Jockey Martin Garcia, who clinched his fifth Cup win, received high praise from Baffert for his exceptional performance, with Baffert noting, 'He always comes through. He's a big-time rider. He told me, ‘I’m going to win it.''

Despite the favorites facing challenges, with East Avenue stumbling out of the gate and Chancer McPatrick finishing sixth, the day was filled with thrilling races. The action continues on Saturday with nine more Cup races, culminating in the highly anticipated $7 million Classic.

In other notable results from the day, Magnum Force triumphed in the $1 million Juvenile Turf Sprint, Immersive claimed victory in the $2 million Juvenile Fillies, and Lake Victoria emerged victorious in the $1 million Juvenile Fillies Turf.

These races showcased the talent and skill of trainers, jockeys, and horses alike, setting the stage for an exhilarating weekend of horse racing at the Breeders' Cup.

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