Minaret Station chose the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic to get back in the winner's circle and claim his maiden G1 victory
Snapping a winless drought of more than 15 months, the son of Instilled Regard produced a powerful late rally to prevail by half a length over Far Bridge, with El Cordobes finishing third over the 2,400 meters at Belmont Park. There was a moment of suspense during a stewards' inquiry, but the result was ultimately upheld
ELMONT, New York (Special for Turf Diario).— The wait had been far too long for a horse that almost always ran well. Minaret Station had been accumulating solid performances—even against top-level opposition—but had not returned to the winner's circle since June 2025. The reunion finally arrived this Thursday, and he could hardly have chosen a better moment: capturing the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes (G1-2,400 m, turf, $500,000) at Belmont Parkto claim the first G1 victory of his career.
The race had been postponed along with the rest of last weekend's card due to severe storms affecting New York, but was finally contested on a firm turf course.
With José Ortiz in the saddle, Minaret Station capitalized on a steady early pace during the first half of the trip. Program Trading (Lope de Vega) assumed the lead quickly, setting moderate fractions of 25s40/100, 51s37/100, and 1m16s92/100, while Pride of Arras (New Bay) tracked in second with the rest of the field remaining closely grouped.
Minaret Station traveled comfortably in fourth, waiting for his moment. The scenario was considerably trickier for El Cordobes, who found himself boxed in third and looking for room to accelerate. The son of Frankel finally found clear daylight turning into the stretch and responded immediately, striking to the lead entering the final furlongs. However, the outcome was far from settled.
Three abreast and stewards' suspense Just as El Cordobes appeared to have gained a narrow advantage, Minaret Station launched a powerful rally down the center of the course while Far Bridge (English Channel) began to surge along the inside rail. All three converged in the crucial closing meters.
El Cordobes was caught in tight quarters between his two rivals, forcing Flavien Prat to briefly steady his mount, while Minaret Station and Far Bridge sustained their drive toward the wire.
Out wide, Will Walden’s trainee forged ahead to prevail by half a length over Far Bridge, while El Cordobes held on for third.
The drama, however, did not end at the wire. The stewards immediately posted an inquiry into the stretch run—specifically examining the tight quarters involving the top three finishers—and Minaret Station had to wait several tense minutes before his victory was officially confirmed. The result stood unaltered.
The winner completed the 2,400 meters in 2m28s18/100, returning $13.72 on a $2 payout.
Program Trading, who had controlled much of the running, and Pride of Arras were unable to hold off the late closers when the race reached its climax.
Ending a 15-month drought The victory snapped a dry spell dating back more than 15 months. Minaret Station had not won since capturing the American Derby (G2) at Churchill Downs, though he remained a consistent force throughout that span.
In fact, he entered the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes off a runner-up finish on August 15 in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes (G1) at Saratoga, right behind El Cordobes. This time, he managed to rewrite the script.
As a 2-year-old in 2024, he had already displayed high quality by capturing the Castle & Key Bourbon Stakes (G2), but top-level victory had eluded him until Thursday. The win also carried special significance from a breeding perspective.
Bred and owned by OXO Equine, Minaret Station is a son of Instilled Regard out of Beau Recall (Sir Prancealot). His dam was a high-class racemare herself, securing four G2 victories during her campaign.
For Instilled Regard, who stood the 2026 season at Taylor Made Stallions for an $8,000 fee, the result represented a career milestone: Minaret Station became his very first G1 winner.
The Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Stakes rewarded the consistency of a horse that had spent more than a year knocking on the door. Minaret Station was coming off a second-place finish to El Cordobes and faced several of the nation's premier turf marathoners. This time, he did not let the opportunity slip away: he rallied strongly, turned back Far Bridge, and survived the stewards' inquiry. His return to the winner's circle proved to be the most important moment of his entire career.
