In its 40 years, the Breeders’ Cup World Championships has produced many stretch duels that have become part of racing’s lore, from the very first Classic in 1984 to Tiznow’s back-to-back Classic wins in 2000 and 2001, and on through Blame’s defeat of Zenyatta in the 2010 Classic and
Here’s a question to ponder: Suppose that you’re an up-and-coming young jockey, not yet 25 years old and less than a decade into your career. Out of the blue, you’re called upon to ride arguably the greatest horse of all time in the final start of his illustrious career. Could you handle the pressure?
It sounds like something out of a movie, but for jockey Edward “Eddie” Maple, this opportunity was real. And for the record, Maple did handle the pressure, which was arguably the turning point in what would become a legendary Hall of Fame riding career.
It’s hard to imagine a filly or mare in the modern era embarking on a career remotely resembling that of the Hall of Fame racemare Shuvee.
Born in 1966, the remarkable daughter of Nashua ran 44 times over the course of four years and is perhaps most famous for her back-to-back wins in the Jockey Club Gold Cup against males, a race then held at the testing distance of two miles.
