G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint Winner for Zoustar
The Group I Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (5f) at Del Mar on the weekend produced the ninth Group I winner for our champion sire Zoustar when his Northern Hemisphere bred three year-old colt Starlust, charged to the line from last to win by a neck.
A Group III winner in the UK and placed in the Group I Nunthorpe Stakes at York this year, the Ralph Beckett trained colt finished third last year in the Group I Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint and looked comfortable again on his second trip to the US.
Making his tenth start of the season, Starlust survived a bumping duel in the closing stages to defeat Motorious by a neck with connections enduring a worrying few minutes before stewards let the result stand.
The odds-on favourite Cogburn, who will join Zoustar at Widden next spring, set a torrid pace in front before fading over the final furlong to finish a gallant fifth with the overall race time a sizzling 55.92 seconds.
Go on @Rossaryan15! Starlust shines brightest in the @BreedersCup Turf Sprint for @RalphBeckett! #BC24 pic.twitter.com/hz9ofEhflh
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) November 2, 2024
“This horse has been knocking on the door all year,” said winning jockey Rossa Ryan.
“It’s just great to see him do it on the big stage. He’s been a bridesmaid. But brilliant, unbelievable performance.”
Ralph Beckett was full of praise for the daring ride of Rossa Ryan.
“What a ride he gave it,” said Beckett.
“I said just before he left the paddock, ‘Don’t be afraid to go burrowing along the rail, because they will fan out. It’s extraordinary and I’m really pleased for [owners] Jim and Fitri Hay who are big supporters of the game.
“He’s a really tough horse and that shone through. He’s not had a break all year and has been at it since Dubai in March. He had a tough trip in the Abbaye but today he was very good. Rossa gets better by the month and today he was at his very, very best.”
Starlust was purchased for 55,000 guineas by Dermot Farrington from the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2 and has the overall record of six wins and six placings from 18 starts.
He is a half-brother to stakes-winner Queen of Desire from Group III winning Invincible Spirit sprinter Beyond Desire.
