White Abarrio, the Champion Who Never Backs Down, Delivers a Lesson in Class
- Turf Diario
- hace 6 horas
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Saffie Joseph Jr.’s star outduels Sovereignty and Journalism in a race to remember, reaffirming his place among the elite of his era
By Diego H. Mitagstein
There was a sense this would be something special—one of those races that transcend a single season. And the 2026 Oaklawn Handicap (G2) delivered. In a clash worthy of the buildup, with three champions squaring off before a packed grandstand, it was experience that ultimately prevailed.
At seven, White Abarrio once again proved that class doesn’t fade. That age is just a number when talent and heart remain intact. And that, when right, he can still stand above them all.
It was no easy task. Across from him stood reigning Horse of the Year Sovereignty (Into Mischief) and GI Preakness winner Journalism (Curlin), both returning from lengthy layoffs but bringing elite credentials. Yet when the real running began, it was the veteran who answered the call.
The race unfolded in unexpected fashion. Sovereignty went straight to the front, forcing Irad Ortiz Jr. to adjust on the fly.
“I broke well, but I couldn’t get into the spot I wanted. I thought I’d be on the lead, but I wasn’t comfortable into the first turn,” Ortiz said.
That set up the first key turning point. Journalism quickly engaged the leader, and the early pressure proved decisive.
“When I saw Journalism go right up to him, I knew they weren’t going to get away easy. So I said, ‘Let them do their thing, I’ll wait,’” Ortiz added. Plan B—patience, and trust.
While the two younger rivals, both off extended layoffs, pushed through demanding fractions of :23.13, :47.30 and 1:11.27, White Abarrio traveled comfortably in stalking position, exactly where he thrives.
By the far turn, the trio had separated from the rest. Turning for home, the gray was poised to strike.
“I was able to get him into the position he likes. He gave me a great feeling. I trusted him, and he just kept building momentum and finished strongly,” Ortiz explained.
What followed was decisive. As Sovereignty and Journalism began to feel the effects of their respective eight- and five-month layoffs, White Abarrio unleashed his class and conditioning. He swept past and drew clear with authority.
He hit the wire two lengths in front, stopping the clock in 1:47.49 for nine furlongs—the fastest Oaklawn Handicap since the days of Cigar (Palace Music).
Behind him, Sovereignty held second over Journalism, but the takeaway was unmistakable. Youth was present. Class prevailed.
“He’s a horse who’s given everything to be a champion,” said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr., visibly moved. “We knew he was doing well, but we didn’t know if it would be enough. And it was… That was one of the best races we’ve seen in a long time.”
The win also carried a sense of redemption. After the late scratch from the GI Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile and a disrupted preparation into the GI Pegasus World Cup, everything finally went according to plan.
“We were able to prepare him exactly the way we wanted this time, and you see the result,” said co-owner Mark Cornett.
Ortiz echoed the sentiment: “Last time he ran huge without being 100%. Today he was, and that’s why I rode him with more confidence.”
Even in defeat, there was respect. Trainer Bill Mott was candid about Sovereignty: “After eight months, you feel it. Both horses coming off long layoffs got a little tired. In an average race, maybe it’s enough. But this wasn’t an average race.”
It certainly wasn’t. Not with 35,000 fans roaring at Oaklawn. Not with three champions turning for home together. “You don’t see races like this very often,” Cornett summed up.
White Abarrio returned $9.20 to win, recorded his seventh graded victory, and pushed his earnings past $8.4 million. But beyond the numbers, he delivered a message.
“As he gets older, we keep learning from him,” Cornett said.
And that may be the most remarkable part. Because at seven—when many are headed to stud or retirement—White Abarrio is still writing major chapters.
Still competing. Still winning. Still teaching.
And at Oaklawn, against the new generation, he made one thing clear: true champions never go out of style.
