Untapable untouchable in Distaff
Saturday 1 November 2014 07:15, UK
Untapable confirmed herself the top filly in America when taking the Breeders' Cup Distaff at Santa Anita under Rosie Napravnik, who immediately announced her retirement.
Napravnik was happy to sit off a fierce early pace, but when the field turned for home, she was perfectly placed aboard Steve Asmussen's three-year-old.
Taking up the running entering the straight, Untapable was always in command, and while bargain-buy Don't Tell Sophia produced a strong late run, she had to settle for second.
This was Untapable's sixth win in seven starts this season, with her only defeat coming when taking on the boys at Monmouth.
Napravnik, winning her second Breeders' Cup race, said: "She is so awesome, she was so good today. Down the back I had so much confidence and she just pulled me around the second turn.
"She has always been a really special filly and I can't tell you how special this win is for me.
"I didn't look back once, I had a ton of horse - she wasn't at all getting to her last legs.
"It's a really good win, it means a whole lot to me."
Asmussen said: "I can't say enough how proud I am of Untapable and the whole team. What an amazing mare.
"Rosie and Untapable have had a tremendous season and compliments to both of them.
"Today definitely makes her a champion."
Napravnik, whose victory on Shanghai Bobby in the Juvenile of 2012 meant she became the only second woman to ride a winner at the Breeders' Cup, immediately announced her retirement.
Speaking to her mother in an emotional scene on the winner's podium, she said: "I wanted to tell my mother first - my retirement starts on Sunday, and Joe and I are starting a family.
"I wasn't going to tell anyone until Sunday, but I figured there couldn't be a better way to go out than with this filly, she means so much to me.
"I wanted to tell my mom in person, so I wanted to bring her up on stage because I didn't want to telly anyone else first."
Asmussen added: "She's a filly with so much talent and Rosie has built up such a special relationship with her.
"Once she launched the filly with her run I knew we were going to win.
"This is so special."