Three geldings victorious in race for thoroughbreds

Arcadia, California: Three geldings, including two bred in California, scored victories in the Breeders' Cup while European horses won three other races on Saturday.

Irish import Goldikova successfully defended her title in the $2 million Mile against 10 male rivals.

Goldikova helped Freddy Head make history as the first to win the Mile in consecutive years as both a trainer and a jockey. He rode Miesque to victories in '87 and ' 88.

"I get more nervous watching than riding," Head said. "The amazing thing is a horse like her, she's very easy to train. She does everything herself. She always gives her best. She's a freak, I think, really."

Favourite

Goldikova won the Mile by a half-length over long shot Courageous Cat. Ridden by Olivier Peslier, she ran the distance on the turf in 1:32.26 and paid $4.80 to win as the 7-5 favourite.

California Flag and Dancing in Silks both won on their home track, a couple of geldings stealing the spotlight at an event created to focus on the breeding aspect of thoroughbred racing.

California Flag lived up to his favourite's status, taking the $1 million Turf Sprint by 1 lengths.

He ran 6 furlongs in 1:11.28. Jockey Joe Talamo and trainer Brian Koriner, who like the 5-year-old gelding are locally based, earned their first Breeders' Cup win.

"It's awesome," Talamo said. "Just being on a horse like that is tremendous. It definitely builds your confidence up."