Ferocious speedball Big Evs seals Breeders’ Cup dream for tearful owner who named horse after late friend
ONE of the fastest horses on the planet sealed a Breeders’ Cup dream for his owner, who named the horse after his late best friend.
Proud Paul Teasdale said he’ll be partying for a week after his wonderhorse claimed the Juvenile Turf Sprint at Santa Anita in California.
Sent off in pursuit of the lead under Tom Marquand, Big Evs kept the pedal to the metal all the way.
It was a miracle win for trainer Mick Appleby – and even more so for Teasdale, who said his late mate Paul Evans died almost a year ago to the day.
Royal Ascot winner Valiant Force flew home from the clouds to pinch second at 23-1.
But there was simply no catching 3-1 Big Evs, who also beat third-placed Starlust and fourth and fav No Nay Mets at 2-1.
Teasdale, a huge Crystal Palace fan, turned down monster seven-figure offers for his uncatchable bullet of a horse.
Victory in the first Grade 1 of the Breeders’ Cup weekend was worth a whopping £433,333.
But money was secondary here – this was a story about friendship, a once-in-a-lifetime horse and the stuff of dreams.
An emotional Teasdale said: “Paul would love this. He’d be like us. We’ll be partying for a week and he’ll be right with us!
“It’s a year on Wednesday since he died. It’s very fitting for a great guy, a great horse and we couldn’t have written it any better.
“It’s amazing.”
Barnsley boy Appleby, more known for runners on the all weather, said: “For a small yard like ours to have a winner here, it’s very special for me and the whole team.
“This horse is unbelievable, he has so much speed and an amazing will to win.
“I was a little worried when he was trapped three wide early but as soon as he took it up in the straight I was confident.”
Punters were absolutely loving the scenes too.
One wrote: “A heartwarming winner. Well done Mick and team.”
While a fellow viewer said: “Bloody brilliant. Well done to everyone involved.”
Speaking after his win, Marquand, whose wife Hollie Doyle was there to cheer him on, said: “It’s ridiculously easy riding horses like this on a fast track.
“The start was our big worry, about whether his gate speed would be as good as theirs.
“He did enough to get up there and, to be honest, as soon as he took it up I knew he’d win.
“It’s an incredible day and an amazing performance.”
There was controversy before the race, however.
Jessica Harrington’s Givemethebeatboys was scratched by what Harrington labelled ‘totally OTT’ racecourse vets.
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