BILLY LOUGHNANE jumped out of the sauna, into the saddle and rode the race of his life to win at the Breeders’ Cup.
He delivered George Boughey’s Libertango (6-4f) with an irresistible run in the Juvenile Turf Sprint — but nearly missed out on his dream day at Keeneland.
American jockey Flavien Prat was jocked up on the flying filly as Loughnane was unable to do her low weight of 8st 7lb.
But he somehow managed to get down to his lowest weight EVER and got back aboard just in time to enjoy one of the most spectacular wins of his young career.
Loughnane, who was only confirmed for the ride 45 minutes before the off, said: “I’ve never been this light in my life, or at least since I’ve been a jockey.
“I gave it a good kick in the gym this morning, but I came to the track in the car with George not thinking I’d be able to ride.
“I weighed myself when I got here just in case, and I was only 1lb off so I jumped straight in the sauna for an hour.
“I was hoping when I sent George the message to tell him I’d get the reply I wanted — thankfully I did. To win here on this horse for George, I can’t describe how special it is.”
Libertango could hardly have given Sun Goddess (8-11f) a better form boost before the Juvenile Fillies’ Turf, and the unstoppable filly made light work of the opposition, drawing away to win by three lengths under Ryan Moore.
This was her fourth Group 1 win of the year and sixth in a row – she hasn’t looked back since winning a Group 2 at the Curragh back in June.
It was her first try at a mile and she saw the trip out with ease – and Aidan O’Brien reckons she’ll get even further in time.
Aidan O’Brien said: “We’ve always said we think she’s special, and she showed it today.
“She’s an exceptional filly. I think we’d start her off in the English Guineas next season and I think she’d stay further than a mile.”
Moore added: “What she’s done this year is very unique. Four Group 1s and nine starts.
“It’s hard to know where the bottom of her is but she’s had a brilliant year. I don’t think you saw the best of her today.”
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