Eldaafer claims Marathon gold

Eldaafer: Winner of the Marathon

Eldaafer took top honours in the Breeders' Cup Marathon at Churchill Downs.

Aidan O'Brien was looking for his second successive win in the race following the triumph of Man Of Iron 12 months ago and saddled Bright Horizon, while Paul Cole's Precision Break also made the trans-Atlantic journey.

The latter showed up well for a long way but was spent force from the turn for home, while Bright Horizon never threatened, although he was hampered leaving the back straight.

Eldaafer was always travelling strongly in the hands of John Velazquez and managed to outpoint Prince Will I Am after a stirring finish.

There was controversy afterwards however, as Prince Will I Am and Javier Castellano were disqualified from the runner-up spot and placed 10th.

Calvin Borel, rider of the initial fourth home A. U. Miner, had to be restrained after the race after trying to attack Castellano.

Bright Horizon's jockey, Johnny Murtagh, said: "It was quite a rough race. I followed the winner but my little horse is not used to this.

"He's done well all year, but he is not a dirt horse."

Cole's son and assistant Oliver, added: "We were positive with him because we knew he stayed, but he didn't seem to quicken up on the sand. It's disappointing as it's a long way to come."

Precision Break's rider, Jamie Spencer, said: "What you see is what you got. There were no excuses."