An elated Luis Saez aboard Choisya after their victory is confirmed. (Jenny Doyle/PastThe Wire)
Wins Keeneland’s Grade 1 in North American Debut
Keeneland Release/Edited
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Rabbah Bloodstock’s homebred Choisya (GB), using a ground-saving trip, got the jump on her rivals at the top of the stretch and then held off favored Excellent Truth (IRE) by a half-length to win the 37th running of the $650,000 Jenny Wiley (G1) for fillies and mares Saturday afternoon.
In the race before the Jenny Wiley, Gosger won the 43rd running of the $400,000 Stonestreet Lexington (G3) for 3-year-olds.
In the Jenny Wiley, Kehoe Beach set the pace with fractions of :22.98, :46.95 and 1:11.33 while being tracked by Be Your Best (IRE) with Choisya third along the rail.
As the field approached the top of the stretch, jockey Luis Saez sent Choisya through on the inside of Kehoe Beach and took over without relinquishing the lead.
Just before the sixteenth pole, Choisya came out slightly, forcing a rallying Excellent Truth to alter course. The incident prompted an objection that was disallowed by the stewards.
Trained by Simon Crisford for his first Keeneland stakes victory, Choisya completed the 1 1/16 miles over a turf course rated as good in 1:42.01.
Choisya rewarded her backers with payoffs of $15.66, $7.74 and $5.48. Excellent Truth, ridden by Flavien Prat, returned $5.10 and $3.64 and finished a half-length in front of Kehoe Beach, who paid $4.48 to show under Frankie Dettori.
It was another 1¼ lengths back to Sacred Wish with Poolside With Slim (IRE), Jabaara (IRE), No Show Sammy Jo and Be Your Best following in order.
Choisya is a 5-year-old daughter of Night of Thunder out of the Singspiel (IRE) mare Fragrancy. Winner of her first two starts of 2025 in Group 2 stakes in Dubai, Choisya improved her record to 20-8-5-0 and increased her earnings to $709,462. Saturday’s victory was worth $298,375.
Quotes for the $650,000 Jenny Wiley (G1) at Keeneland
Luis Saez (winning rider of Choisya [GB]), On his eventful week, which included being unseated during Keeneland’s second race Tuesday: “I just tried to forget what happened. I’m so glad that I’m here and I’m safe and I’m doing what I love. I feel pretty good, I feel strong and I’m enjoying what I’m doing.”
On how he stated his case after a jockey’s objection: “I knew when I got to the top of the stretch, I came out a little bit, but I don’t think I bothered the other horse (Excellent Truth [IRE]). I stayed in my lane. She ran a big race and I’m so proud (trainer Simon Crisford and owner Rabbah Bloodstock) gave me the opportunity with this filly to win this Grade 1.”
On how the race set up: “She broke pretty well. She broke on top, but we knew the speed was going to go from the outside (Kehoe Beach), so we waited into the first turn and tucked in behind. It was the perfect spot we were looking for.”
Flavien Prat (rider of runner-up and beaten favorite Excellent Truth [IRE]): “I was behind the winner, and we turned for home and he stayed (jockey Luis Saez on Choisya) on the fence, so then I decided to come around him. I had a good gap and as I came in between horses, the gap closed and I had to check, and she came back again.”
Frankie Dettori (rider of third-place finisher Kehoe Beach): “I had the position that I wanted in front; she was relaxed in front. Everything’s been winning off the fence today, so I went out off the fence. Usually, she can quicken off fast ground. She was trying for me, but the wheels were spinning on that ground, and she couldn’t accelerate as she does. But it was a great run for first time on top level, and I haven’t lost faith in her.”
Racing continues Sunday with a nine-race program beginning at 1 p.m. ET that is highlighted by the 28th running of the $350,000 Giant’s Causeway (G3) for fillies and mares going 5 ½ furlongs on the turf. The Giant’s Causeway is the afternoon’s eighth race with a 4:44 p.m. post time.
