Prat Earns Jockey of the Week with Two Breeders' Cup Wins

Flavien Prat’s stellar 2024 season hit new heights as he claimed two major victories at the Breeders' Cup, winning the Grade 1 Classic with Sierra Leone and the Grade 1 Filly and Mare Turf with Moira. These triumphs not only made him the week's standout jockey but also earned him the prestigious Bill Shoemaker Award for Outstanding Jockey at the event held at Del Mar Thoroughbred Club.

The Jockeys' Guild selected Prat as Jockey of the Week for October 28 - November 3, a recognition of his impressive achievements. Prat’s successful week started with a victory aboard King of Gosford in the Let It Ride Stakes on Thursday, closing from fourth to win by over two lengths for trainer Phil D'Amato.

On Saturday, Prat took the spotlight in the Breeders' Cup Classic, guiding Sierra Leone to victory. Breaking from post 11, Sierra Leone came from far back in the field of 14 to overtake race favourite Fierceness and win by 1-1/2 lengths. Just one race later, Prat claimed the Filly and Mare Turf on Moira, the 2022 Canadian Horse of the Year, beating British favourite Cinderella’s Dream.

Prat’s historic season also includes a record-breaking 18 stakes wins at Saratoga, 14 of which were graded. Other Jockey of the Week nominees included Martin Garcia, Brian Hernandez Jr., Drayden Van Dyke, and John Velazquez, each with impressive Breeders' Cup wins.