Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.
Tyler Gaffalione (winning rider of O’Connor [CHI])
“He was very game, and it was very hard-fought. He took everything that was thrown at him. He was loving his position going around the turn. I was really happy with where I was at. Coming into the stretch he kept finding more, and every time I asked him he responded. All the credit goes to (trainer) Saffie (Joseph Jr.) and his team. They brought him over here ready to run. I was just fortunate to be the passenger today.”
On being the meet’s leading rider:
“It’s been amazing. I love coming to Keeneland. The horsemen and everyone here are so great to me. We’ve had a lot of success, and we always have a good time.”
Luis Saez (rider of runner-up Il Maracolo)
“I had a good trip. I was in the middle (coming down the stretch). I was trying to win the race and keep my horse in my lane, but I felt pressure from the outside.”
Martin Garcia (rider of seventh-place finisher and beaten favorite Trademark)
“It was not his day today. I had a really good position outside and he broke good but when it was time to start running, he didn’t fire.”