Laurelin, an undefeated Irish-bred filly owned by South African couple Jessica and Steven Jell and trained by British-born Graham Motion in Maryland, aims to maintain her perfect 5-for-5 record in the Grade 1, $800,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland. The Jells, with deep racing roots in South Africa and Europe, have quickly made a mark in U.S. racing since acquiring Newstead Farm in Virginia and investing in quality turf horses like Laurelin, who boasts strong European bloodlines from sire Zarak. Laurelin has demonstrated versatility and dominance on turf, winning stakes races at Aqueduct, Saratoga, and Kentucky Downs, and now faces a competitive field including millionaire filly Fionn.
Trainer Motion highlights the global nature of horse racing and the strategic fit of European turf bloodlines with his training style. While cautious about future plans, including the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, he acknowledges the QEII Challenge Cup as a prestigious and ambitious target for the 3-year-old filly. Laurelin’s undefeated streak and the Jells’ growing U.S. presence underscore a successful international collaboration in the sport.
