ARCADIA, Calif., Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Islington overcame an international journey and the California heat to lead Europeans to a 1-2-3 sweep of Saturday's $1 million Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf.
Under jockey Kieren Fallon, Islington raced in the middle of the field as Bien Nicole took a big lead on the backstretch. Coming between horses, Islington swept to the front as the field turned for home in the 1-¼-mile turf race, then won a stretch-long duel with L'Ancresse by one-half length.
Yesterday was a non-threatening third.
Despite an ongoing Southern California heat wave that had most horses perspiring freely, Islington finished in Breeders' Cup-record time of 1:59.13, shaving a full second off the record set by Banks Hill two years ago at Belmont Park.
She finished third in this event last year at Arlington Park, encountering serious traffic problems.
Islington paid $7.80, $6 and $4.20; L'Ancresse $32.60 and $13; Yesterday $7.80.
The $2 exacta paid $212.40.
