Persistence paid off for Canadian Horse of the Year, Moira (Ghostzapper–Devine Aida, by Unbridled's Song), as she secured her first Grade I victory on her third try in the GI Maker's Mark Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf at Del Mar on November 2. The 5-1 contender, after a thrilling run, held off Godolphin’s favourite Cinderella’s Dream (GB) (Shamardal) by half a length, with Didia (Arg) (Orpen) finishing a close third. The 1 3/8-mile race, worth $2 million, concluded in 2:14.95.
Moira's Breakthrough Victory
Owned by X-Men Racing–an idea brought to life by Canadian Donato Lanni–alongside Madaket Stables, LLC and SF Racing, LLC, the 5-year-old mare is trained by fellow Canadian, Kevin Attard, who also handled the race’s frontrunner, Full Count Felicia (War Front).
Moira maintained a patient position in sixth, trailing splits of 0:25.38, 0:49.84, and 1:15.08. She advanced to third as Full Count Felicia set a comfortable pace, shadowed by Sunset Glory (Ire) (Cotai Glory {GB}). Approaching the final turn, Moira was within striking distance, just under two lengths behind the leaders. Meanwhile, Cinderella’s Dream was poised mid-pack, waiting for an opportunity.
Moira surged forward, challenging and overtaking Full Count Felicia with ease. As Didia launched a challenge from the centre of the track and Cinderella’s Dream found a gap inside, the race heated up. Less than an eighth of a mile remained when Moira crossed the finish line, just ahead of her competitors. Beautiful Love (Ire) (Siyouni {Fr}) finished fourth, half a length behind.
Trainer and Jockey Reflections
Trainer Kevin Attard, celebrating his first Breeders' Cup win, expressed his joy, saying it was rewarding to see Moira achieve her Grade I triumph. He reflected on the Queen’s Plate victory as a surreal moment, and noted how Moira’s unpredictable nature had often kept him on his toes. However, her composed and relaxed demeanour during the race stood out. Attard appreciated the unwavering support from Moira’s connections throughout her career, stating, “She’s going to a sale, and I’ll miss her.”
Jockey Flavien Prat, securing his first win in the Filly & Mare Turf and seventh overall Breeders' Cup victory, remarked on Moira’s strong start and smart positioning. He explained how he pushed closer to the leaders to gain an advantage, a move that paid off.
Tom Ryan of SF Bloodstock shared that Donato Lanni had brought Moira into their fold, buying her with the intent of keeping her in training. He recalled that Lanni’s first purchase for their team was Derby winner Authentic. When Lanni aimed to find a Queen’s Plate horse, Moira became their prime choice.
Lanni elaborated that his goal was to acquire a Canadian-bred filly to win the Canadian Oaks and bring his long-time Canadian friends together. He expressed gratitude for the support and enthusiasm shown by partners Tom and Sol Kumin, who share his love for horse racing.
William Buick, who rode Cinderella’s Dream, commented that while she had a smooth journey, the slow pace limited her chances, and by the time she found space to move, it was too late. He mentioned it was her first race over such a long distance, making conservation of energy essential.
A Stellar Pedigree
Bred by Adena Springs in Ontario, Moira was a dual Canadian Classic winner in 2022. She was sold for $150,000 at the Keeneland September sale by Hidden Brook and later highlighted the Fasig-Tipton Night of Stars, where she sold for $3 million to DM Racing Ventures. Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa consigned her.
Moira’s career began with a debut win in the 2021 Princess Elizabeth Stakes and a second-place finish in the GIII Mazarine Stakes. In 2022, she claimed the Woodbine Oaks by over 10 lengths and added the Queen’s Plate to her record. Although she was second in the GI E.P. Taylor Stakes, a disqualification placed her eighth. She wrapped up the year with a fifth-place result in the Filly & Mare Turf at Keeneland, earning titles as Canadian Horse of the Year and Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.
In 2023, Moira’s only victory came in the GII Canadian Stakes, though she placed in five graded events, including third-place finishes in the E.P. Taylor and Santa Anita’s Filly & Mare Turf. After being sold at the Fasig-Tipton auction, her 2024 campaign was selective. Highlights included a second in the GI Diana Stakes at Saratoga and victory in the GII Beverly D Stakes at Colonial Downs, though she narrowly missed winning the E.P. Taylor in September.
Scheduled to return to the Fasig-Tipton Night of Stars as hip 293, Moira will be consigned by John Sikura’s Hill 'n' Dale at Xalapa.