Goldikova bows out with a 3rd Goldikova's bid for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Breeders' Cup Mile victory ended in defeat at Churchill Downs on Saturday night. The brilliant French mare was beaten into third spot as 64/1 outsider Court Vision pipped Turallure in a thrilling photo finish. Goldikova was settled in behind the leaders on the rail by Olivier Peslier in the early going, but appeared to interfere with Courageous Cat turning for home. Once she saw daylight Goldikova went to the front a furlong out but didn't quite have the finishing kick of yesteryear to complete the job. And Court Vision and Turallure came past to fight out an epic battle as the winning post loomed. It was the former, trained by Dale Romans and ridden by Robbie Alborado, who just prevailed. An objection then ensued, but after assessing the evidence the local stewards opted not to disqualify Goldikova and made no change to the result. Goldikova's trainer Freddie Head said afterwards: "The years and miles have taken their toll. She looked like she was going to win but just tired in the last 100 yards. I'm very, very, very proud. "I've lived great moments because of her and I'm very proud and very happy. It was a nice way to finish even though we didn't win, she did what she could do and tried her best. Today she wasn't good enough but will go as a broodmare and I hope all will go well and she'll have some yearlings and foals that come to America too. "Olivier said for a moment when he came out he didn't have much room and she flew for two strides and he thought she'd win. But when the others came she didn't have anything more, she was gone." Peslier meanwhile revealed: "She came into the stretch with no place to go. I moved outside and had good acceleration but we couldn't hold on. I'm very disappointed that the filly is finished but I hope next time to be riding her babies."
