Gezora capped a dream season with a sensational victory

The French filly Gezora surged late to overhaul She Feels Pretty near the wire and capture the GI Filly & Mare Turf, while Peruvian hopeful La Kika crossed the line without her jockey after being pulled up on the backstretch

Gezora and the Mission Accomplished at Del Mar/ BREEDERS' CUP

By Diego H. Mitagstein (Special Correspondent for Turf Diario at Del Mar, California)

DEL MAR, California—The curtain fell on the 42nd Breeders’ Cup with a touch of European elegance and power. Gezora, the French filly owned by Peter Brant, found daylight in the final strides and unleashed a devastating burst to run down the valiant She Feels Pretty (Karakontie) and capture the GI Maker’s Mark Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, sealing an unforgettable afternoon for French racing.

A daughter of Almanzor out of Germance (Silver Hawk), the Francis-Henri Graffard trainee completed the 1 3/8 miles on firm turf in 2:12.54 under Mickaël Barzalona, earning $1,040,000 and pushing her career bankroll beyond $2 million. It marked her second Grade I triumph following her victory in the G1 Prix de Diane—the French Oaks—that had already cemented her status among the elite of her generation.

The race unfolded with tactical precision. Be Your Best (Muhaarar) set an even tempo up front, shadowed by She Feels Pretty, who entered the race as a five-time Grade I winner and looked poised for a sixth when she surged to the lead at the top of the stretch. Settled midpack, Gezora began to make steady headway, and though her run appeared to stall briefly, she re-rallied powerfully in the final furlong. In the closing hundred yards, she swept past to score by half a length, reaffirming both her class and her indomitable spirit.

An emotional Graffard reflected on what it meant to finally break through on racing’s global stage. “This is a meeting I’ve always loved and always wanted to win, but it’s incredibly difficult,” he said. “You need a filly with a huge heart—one who can travel, stay calm, and quicken when it matters. Gezora has all of that. She’s a true champion, and to win such a race for Mr. Brant, in those iconic silks, is just fantastic.”

The trainer also placed the victory within the context of a remarkable season for his stable. “It’s been an extraordinary year—we’ve won races like the Arc, the Champion Stakes, the Prix de Diane, and now a Breeders’ Cup. It’s a huge reward for the entire team. Gezora gave her all in the Arc on soft ground and came out of it even better. She’s kind, easy to train, and always gives everything. Very few fillies can boast both a Diane and a Breeders’ Cup win on their résumés.”

From the saddle, Barzalona described a ride of patience and timing: “I had a great draw and got her into a perfect rhythm early. The pace was genuine, and I just tried to keep her relaxed and focused. There was a moment when it looked like she might flatten out, but she’s so tough and professional. When the leader started to come back, I knew we’d get there. She’s straightforward, honest, and that’s exactly what you need here.”

There was heartbreak, however, for the Peruvian contender La Kika (Badge of Silver), who was pulled up on the backstretch before unseating Mirco Demuro—fortunately uninjured—then crossed the line riderless, led in by an outrider to close a nightmare trip.

For Gezora, it was mission accomplished at Del Mar—a performance that crowned a season of brilliance and confirmed her place among Europe’s finest turf mares.