Big Evs seals poignant Breeders' Cup triumph

Big Evs won the opening Breeders' Cup race of the two-day meeting

Big Evs gave British trainer Mick Appleby a win with his first Breeders' Cup runner in the Junior Turf Sprint.

Big Evs, named after racing fan Paul Evans who died last year, also won at Royal Ascot and Glorious Goodwood in 2023.

"Paul died a year ago this Wednesday. It's very fitting for a great guy," said owner Paul Teasdale.

"We couldn't have written it any better."

Marquand said: "It's ridiculously easy riding horses like this on a fast track."

Givemethebeatboys was scratched from the race - one of two Irish-trained horses among a total of 16 removed from Friday's card on veterinary advice.

Jessica Harrington's two-year-old joined Aidan O'Brien's Juvenile Turf contender River Tiber on the sidelines.

O'Brien's Bolshoi Ballet, a leading hope for Saturday's Breeders' Cup Turf, was also taken out.

English and Irish Derby winner Auguste Rodin and Broome will still represent O'Brien in the race.