Sierra Leone, the 2024 champion 3-year-old male, broke his Saratoga winless streak with a dramatic come-from-behind victory in the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes. Overcoming favored Fierceness and a strong challenge from Highland Falls, Sierra Leone won by a length, securing an automatic berth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Del Mar, where he was last year’s winner. Trained by Chad Brown and ridden by Flavien Prat, Sierra Leone showcased his matured, polished racing ability, dispelling doubts about his performance at Saratoga and highlighting his versatility and heart in overcoming a challenging race setup.
The win marked a significant milestone for Brown, who celebrated the victory with family present, emphasizing the Whitney Stakes’ historic importance. Sierra Leone’s performance was characterized by patience and strategic positioning, ultimately unleashing a powerful late run on the outside to clinch the win. Connections are considering the Jockey Club Gold Cup as a potential next start, aiming to keep Sierra Leone sharp for a Breeders’ Cup Classic title defense. Co-owner Coolmore praised the horse’s growth and resilience, expressing excitement for his upcoming campaign.
