In a surprising upset at the GI Juddmonte Spinster Stakes at Keeneland, 4-year-old Gin Gin, a Calumet Farm homebred by Hightail, went wire-to-wire to narrowly defeat the favored Nitrogen and reigning Horse of the Year Thorpedo Anna. Despite being a longshot at 18-1 odds, Gin Gin maintained a strong pace and held off Nitrogen’s late charge in a dramatic photo finish, securing her first Grade 1 victory and an automatic berth in the GI Breeders’ Cup Distaff. Trainer Brendan Walsh praised her toughness and ability to handle pressure, while jockey Luis Saez credited the filly’s determination and readiness.

Nitrogen, trained by Mark Casse, finished a close second and remains a Breeders’ Cup contender, whereas Thorpedo Anna’s fourth-place finish likely ends her chances for the event this year. Gin Gin’s pedigree includes notable lineage from her dam Before You Know It, linking her to top performers like Hard to Justify. This win marks a significant milestone for Gin Gin, who has shown marked improvement under Walsh’s care after a mid-season dip in form.