Breeders’ Cup History: Filly & Mare Sprint

The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint (G1), first run at Monmouth Park in 2007 in what was the first year the World Championships expanded beyond the single-day format, and aside from the first year when it was offered at six furlongs, has been contested at seven furlongs.

In all but three years since its inaugurual running the winner has gone on to earn the Eclipse Award as the country’s champion female sprinter. Ventura (2008), Wavell Avenue (2015) and Bar of Gold (2017) are the only winners of this race who did not win championship honors in the female turf division. In 2019 Covfefe won this race en route to her title in the division as well as the honor as champion 3-year-old filly. So far, Groupie Doll in 2012 and 2013 is the only repeat winner of the race.

Last year’s winner Goodnight Olive is set to contest for a repeat win this year.

The Bobby Frankel-trained Ventura in 2008 clocked the distance in 1:19.90, a record that stands 15 years later.

Trainer Buff Bradley is the only trainer to have won twice (he also co-owned Groupie Doll) while three jockeys – Rajiv Maragh, Mike Smith and Irad Ortiz Jr. – have each ridden a pair of winners.

 

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