Full Breakdown
Ethical Diamond's Stunning Upset in Breeders' Cup Turf
11/2/2025, 1:54:49 PM
Unexpected Victory at Del Mar
On November 1, 2025, Ethical Diamond, a 25-1 long shot trained by Willie Mullins, achieved a remarkable victory in the $5 million Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar, California. The five-year-old gelding surged from the back of the pack to win by 1 1/4 lengths, setting a new course record of 2:25.45. This victory marks Mullins' first win at the Breeders' Cup, a significant milestone for a trainer primarily known for his success in jump racing.
Background and Context
Ethical Diamond, owned by the H O S Syndicate, was initially intended to compete in the Melbourne Cup but was excluded due to earlier medical issues. Mullins and his assistant trainer, David Casey, decided to pivot to the Breeders' Cup, with Mullins expressing low expectations, hoping for a finish around fifth or sixth place. The horse had previously shown promise, winning the Ebor Handicap at York and the Duke of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Race Dynamics
The race unfolded with expected frontrunners Rebel's Romance and Minnie Hauk, who were favored to win. Ethical Diamond, however, was positioned near the back early on. As the race progressed, he began to make his move, navigating through traffic and ultimately launching a powerful six-wide run in the stretch. Rebel's Romance, who had been in contention, could not fend off Ethical Diamond's late charge and finished second, while Minnie Hauk faded to sixth.
Official Statements & Responses
Willie Mullins remarked on the unexpected nature of the victory, stating, “To train a horse that is 25-1 and to win unexpectedly at a big festival like this, they're the fun ones.” He credited the horse's relaxed demeanor to a unique training approach involving jumping hurdles, which helped him settle during races. Jockey Dylan Browne McMonagle expressed his pride in the performance, calling it an "unbelievable training performance."
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding Ethical Diamond's win, there were critiques regarding the performance of favored competitors. Aidan O'Brien, trainer of Minnie Hauk, noted that the fast pace of the race may have contributed to her struggles, stating, “They just went very fast, and she just got trapped out a little bit.” Rebel's Romance's jockey, William Buick, acknowledged the challenges faced during the race but praised the winner's performance.
What's Next
Following this historic win, Mullins is set to compete in the Melbourne Cup with another horse, Absurde, continuing his pursuit of success in both flat and jump racing. Ethical Diamond's victory not only enhances his earnings to over $3 million but also solidifies his place in racing history as a surprising champion in a prestigious event.
