ARCADIA, Calif. (AP) — Beholder won the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff by four lengths, denying two-time defending champion Royal Delta a third straight victory.
Ridden by Gary Stevens, Beholder ran 1 1/8 miles on her home track in 1:47.77 and paid $7.60, $4.20 and $3.20 on Friday at Santa Anita.
Close Hatches returned $6.60 and $4.80.
Authenticity was another two lengths back in third and paid $4.20 to show.
Royal Delta and jockey Mike Smith finished fourth in the field of six. She won the previous two years when the race was called the Ladies’ Classic.
It was the ninth career Breeders’ Cup victory for Stevens, who at 50 began a comeback in January that included winning the Preakness Stakes. He last won a Cup race in 2000.
Trainer Richard Mandella earned his eighth Cup win.
