Moira, the brilliant Canadian mare, has captured the attention of the horse racing world with her tenacity and talent despite not yet securing a Grade 1 victory. Crowned Canada’s Horse of the Year in 2022, Moira has been a force to be reckoned with on the track, consistently delivering remarkable performances against some of the best turf mares in the world.
As she prepares for her next challenge at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, let’s dive into her journey, achievements, and what lies ahead.
Moira’s Quest for a Grade 1 Victory: Will 2024 Be Her Year?
Despite her impressive accomplishments, Moira is still searching for her first Grade 1 victory. She gained fame in 2022 with a dominant seven-length victory in Canada’s Queen’s Plate Stakes and has continued to excel, finishing third in the 2023 E.P. Taylor Stakes (G1T) and the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1T), where she was the top-placed North American runner.
With the 2024 Breeders’ Cup approaching, Moira is poised for another shot at the Grade 1 crown. Fans and bettors are watching closely, anticipating her performance on racing’s biggest stage. If you want to support Moira or other top contenders, you can bet on 2024 Breeders Cup and join the excitement. Will 2024 finally be Moira’s year to shine? Stay tuned.
Moira’s 2023 Season: Consistency and Growth
After a spectacular 2022 season, Moira returned in 2023 to continue her reign on the turf. She captured the Canadian Stakes (G2T) and showed resilience by running excellent thirds in the E.P. Taylor Stakes and Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, where she faced stiff competition from elite European mares.
One of the highlights of Moira’s 2023 campaign was her thrilling victory in the Beverly D. Stakes (G2T) at Colonial Downs. This race, part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, earned her an automatic berth to the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, ensuring she’ll be competing on the grand stage again.
Trainer Kevin Attard has carefully planned Moira’s path to the Breeders’ Cup, using the E.P. Taylor Stakes as a key prep race in September, giving her plenty of time to peak for the November showdown.
Head-to-Head Rivalry: Moira vs. Fev Rover
Moira has developed a fierce rivalry with fellow Canadian Horse of the Year, Fev Rover. The two have faced off multiple times; each race has been a battle to the wire. In the 2024 Beverly D. Stakes, Moira got the upper hand, defeating Fev Rover by a head in a thrilling stretch duel.
This victory evened their head-to-head rivalry at three apiece, with both mares showcasing their competitive spirit.
The rivalry between Moira and Fev Rover will surely excite the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, where both horses are expected to meet again. Fev Rover, known for her frontrunning style, will likely try to control the pace again, but Moira has proven she can chase down her rivals with a powerful closing kick.
The Road to the Breeders’ Cup: Strategic Preparations
Trainer Kevin Attard has clarified that the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf is Moira’s ultimate goal. Her racing schedule has been meticulously planned to ensure she peaks at the right time.
Following a protracted rest, Moira made her racing comeback in July 2024 at Saratoga’s Diana Stakes (G1T), finishing in second place and coming dangerously close to overtaking the winner Whitebeam.
Her performance in the Diana Stakes showed that Moira is in top form and ready for her upcoming challenges. Attard has expressed confidence in her ability to perform at the highest level, noting that her tactical versatility allows her to handle a variety of race scenarios.
Trainer Kevin Attard has carefully planned Moira’s racing schedule, with the E.P. Taylor Stakes being a key event in her preparation. Taking place earlier this year, the race provides Moira with more time to get ready for the Breeders’ Cup, which remains her ultimate target.
European Invaders: A Challenge for Moira
The Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf is known for attracting the best turf mares from around the world, particularly from Europe. Moira has already proven to hold her own against international competition, as seen in her third-place finish in the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
However, the European contingent will pose a significant challenge again in 2024. One of the top European horses to watch is Cinderella’s Dream, a Godolphin-owned filly who has been dominant in her two U.S. starts, winning the Belmont Oaks (G1T) and Saratoga Oaks (G2T) with impressive ease.
Cinderella’s Dream will be making her first start against older fillies and mares, but her explosive turn of foot seriously threatens Moira’s chances.
Moira will need a flawless ride from jockey Rafael Hernandez to outmaneuver these international challengers. Her long-awaited Grade 1 victory may finally become a reality if she can do that.
Moira’s Legacy: Poised for Greatness
With a record of 6-5-2 from 15 starts and over $1.8 million in earnings, Moira has already cemented herself as one of Canada’s top turf mares. Her impressive victories and consistent performances against world-class competition have made her a fan favorite. However, that elusive Grade 1 win is the final piece of the puzzle for her legacy.
As the 2024 Breeders’ Cup approaches, Moira is poised to leave her mark on the sport. Moira is ready to give it her all on racing’s biggest stage, whether it’s through her rivalry with Fev Rover or her ability to challenge the best turf mares from Europe.
Conclusion
Moira’s journey to the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf has been remarkable, showcasing her victories, near-misses, and fierce rivalries. Her tactical versatility and strong closing kick make her a top contender as she prepares for her biggest challenge. Fans eagerly await to see if she can claim her elusive Grade 1 victory.
