Highland Falls promoted to third in G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup

Highland Falls was elevated a place to third following the disqualification of Phileas Fogg in a dramatic running of the G1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga, USA, on Sunday, 31 August. 

The historic 10-furlong contest appeared to revolve around the Godolphin five-year-old, his G1 Whitney Stakes conqueror Sierra Leone and G1 Stephen Foster Stakes winner Mindframe, but the race was effectively over for all three after a furlong. 

Highland Falls broke on terms and adopted a prominent position down the inside, with Sierra Leone held up at the rear of the eight runners. Both horses were severely impeded by Mindframe and his jockey Irad Ortiz Jr, who was unshipped after Phileas Fogg jinked across from his high draw. 

Contrary Thinking tore off into an uncontested lead entering the first turn, with Highland Falls, Disarm and Sierra Leone finding themselves six lengths adrift off the group that contained Phileas Fogg, White Arbarrio and Antiquarian. 

Highland Falls took closer order in fifth leaving the back and was switched wide by Luis Saez to challenge at the top of the straight. Phileas Fogg took up the running soon after, until Antiquarian reeled him in half a furlong out. 

Antiquarian hit the line strongly, with Sierra Leone closing late to grab second from Phileas Fogg. The Brad Cox-trained Highland Falls stuck to his task in fourth before the stewards took action against Phileas Fogg for his erratic early race move.