City of Troy is a great despite losing Classic and Charlie Appleby is the man for the big occasion… FIVE things we learned from the Breeders Cup

City of Troy dominated discussion ahead of the Breeders Cup but racing’s World Championships produced so many more stories than his eclipse in The Classic.

There was a coming of age for a jockey whose year has been unforgettable, an unheralded performer getting overdue recognition and, tragically, a reminder of the potential for heartbreak to appear at any given moment. 

Mail Sport was trackside in California to see it all unfold.

REBEL WITH A CAUSE

Charlie Appleby’s Breeders Cup record is extraordinary. His first success came in 2017, when Wuheida won the Filly and Mare Turf, and the triumph of Rebel’s Romance in Saturday’s $5million Turf took his tally to 11 and secured a piece of history for the Godolphin runner.

No horse had regained the Turf in 40 renewals but the six-year-old was an emphatic winner and it is no wonder that he holds such a high place in jockey William Buick’s affections. Flat horses don’t tend to be around long enough to build up fan clubs but Rebel’s Romance certainly has one now.

Buick has been on board for 19 of Rebel’s Romance’s 23 starts. He’s partnered him at 14 different racecourses, in seven countries, galloped him for 27-and-a-quarter miles and won 13 times to earn £9.1million in prize money.

‘He’s one of a kind and owes us nothing,’ said Appleby. ‘Everyone loves him.’

RYAN MIGHTY

What a season for trainer Ralph Beckett but what a season, too, for Rossa Ryan, whose decision making and certainty were the difference in ensuring 34/1 shot Starlust thundered home successfully in the Turf Sprint. His relief was enormous when surviving a stewards’ enquiry.

Ryan rode a textbook race on Bluestocking in the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe last month and this was further evidence that the 24-year-old has all the ability to one day be a champion. Beckett, who similarly has enjoyed his best season, is certain he can scale that height.

‘With every week, every month and every ride, he is getting better,’ said Beckett. ‘I’m delighted we got it done.’

THE TROY CONUNDRUM

Immediately after City Of Troy had plodded across the line, never getting competitive on a dirt surface that is easy to run through as churned up seaside beach, many of the horse’s critics took the opportunity to unload and say that trainer Aidan O’Brien had hyped him up too much.

Was it disappointing that he could only finish eighth behind Sierra Leone? Of course. But was he brilliant? Absolutely. Sea The Stars is the only other horse to complete the treble of Epsom Derby, Coral Eclipse and Juddmonte International. That tells you the ability he possessed.

QUEEN VICTORIA

The one horse from Ballydoyle who everyone thought would win duly delivered on the first day. 

Lake Victoria overcame the kind of congestion you get on the Pacific Highway to zoom through gaps to complete an unblemished season of five runs and five wins in the Juvenile Turf. 

She heads into winter as favourite for the 1000 Guineas. She has it all to be the star of next summer.

MEEHAN’S DESPAIR

Brian Meehan has enjoyed a fabulous season, reminding everyone what a good trainer he is when he gets the ammunition. He had meticulously prepared Jayarebe, a talented three-year-old with his best days ahead of him, for a shot at the Turf but this story had the most desperate footnote.

After crossing the line, Jayarebe suffered a fatal heart attack. To see the trauma Meehan, his staff and owners endured as this dark event unfolded was a reminder of how big a part these horses play in people’s lives. We know racing comes with risks. It doesn’t mean it gets easier to digest.