Guarana came back on the inside after being headed by Mia Mischief in a thrilling edition of the Grade 1 Madison and one of the best horse races of the year thus far. Hear from winning trainer Chad Brown and see the replay below.
Quotes from Chad Brown
On his 100th career Grade 1 victory: “It’s right up there near the top. It’s a whole body of work from 12 ½ years now of training. It has to do with my team of co-workers, owners and horses both present and past. They all contributed to the 100 Grade 1s. God willing if everything stays intact, we’ll work on the next 100. But we’re going to enjoy this for now.”
On the Madison: “It unfolded how I feared with Mia Mischief having the better post on the outside of us and being able to hound us a bit. I thought turning for home that the post really did us in this race, and I was started to get a little disappointed. But I could see at the sixteenth pole that she was finding her stride again and I think 7 (furlongs) is maybe a tick far for the other filly. We were able to come back on her.
“(Guarana) showed her heart. She showed that she’s a very special horse, which we’ve known for a long time. I’m just so happy for the ownership group, especially Mr.(Goncalo) Torrealba (of Three Chimneys Farm), the original sole owner of the horse and the breeder. I’ve been associated with him and his family and horses for 17 years now going back to Bobby Frankel.
“To (get the 100th Grade 1 win) with one of his horses is really special. He’s a real fine man. Very loyal. He was the first one to call me and congratulate me.”
“To get another win over Keeneland’s track ahead of the Breeders’ Cup (with Guarana) is very important too. And my team has done a really good job. Our division in Palm Meadows had (Guarana) all winter and prepared her for Churchill. I left her with my assistant Whit Beckman and the Churchill division, and they’ve done a terrific job. I’m really proud of them.”
Edited Keeneland Press Release
