Breeders' Cup Classic Winner Sierra Leone Prepares for Saudi Cup

January 14, 2025

Last year’s Breeders' Cup Classic champion, Sierra Leone, continues his preparation for the $20-million G1 Saudi Cup set for February 22. The 4-year-old colt, trained by Chad Brown, completed a four-furlong workout in 50.60 seconds at Payson Park on January 12, marking his second workout of the year.

“He’s progressing well,” Brown stated. “We’re aiming for the Saudi Cup, and he’ll step up his training next week.”

Sierra Leone, an Eclipse Award finalist for 3-year-old males, had a standout sophomore season, claiming victories in the GI Toyota Blue Grass Stakes and GII Risen Star Stakes. Despite falling short in the GI Kentucky Derby, where he finished second, and third-place results in the GI Belmont Stakes and GI Travers Stakes, the colt has proven his class.

Purchased as a yearling for $2.3 million at the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Sale, Sierra Leone is campaigned by a partnership that includes Peter Brant, Mrs. John Magnier, Michael Tabor, Derrick Smith, Westerberg, and Brook T. Smith.

Meanwhile, another star from Chad Brown’s stable, Chancer McPatrick, is recovering from surgery to remove a minor ankle issue sustained after his sixth-place finish in the GI Breeders' Cup Juvenile. The colt is expected to return to training by the end of the month and could target the GIII Tampa Bay Derby on March 8.

Brown expressed optimism about both horses, noting their potential for future successes in the upcoming season.