Gainesway sales grad Monomoy Girl (TAPIZAR) scored her second Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) victory, and Valiance (TAPIT) was a valiant runner-up to the champ.
It was an emphatic and heartwarming victory for Monomoy Girl (TAPIZAR) Saturday – who missed her entire 4-year-old season after a championship 3-year-old campaign due to a string of setbacks. Making a successful return to the races in an AOC at Churchill in May for trainer Brad Cox and owners Monomoy Stable, Michael Dubb, The Elkstone Group, and Bethlehem Stables, Monomoy Girl stayed perfect her 5-year-old year with victories in the Ruffian (G2), La Troienne (G1), and the Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1). Now with nearly $4.5 million in earnings, Monomoy Girl also became the fourth multiple Breeders’ Cup Distaff winner alongside Beholder, Royal Delta, and Bayakoa (ARG).
Also entered into the race was TAPIT‘s newest Grade 1 winner Valiance. Finding the winner’s circle last out in the Spinster (G1) at Keeneland, Valiance powered home under Luis Saez to chase the brilliant Monomoy Girl to the wire and besting the rest of the field, completing the Gainesway exacta in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1).
The success of Essential Quality on Friday, and Valiance’s runner-up finish has vaulted TAPIT to the #2 sire of 2020 by earnings.