By Sam Turner -
It seemed highly appropriate that a filly named after a competitive swimmer should plough through a sloppy Churchill Downs track and claim a famous victory in the G1 Kentucky Oaks for trainer Kenny McPeek and rider Brian Hernandez Jnr.
Bargain buy Thorpedo Anna, purchased for just $30,000 as a yearling, relished the gruelling conditions in the fillies’ feature, dominating from the opening of the gates to score by four-and-three-quarter lengths from Breeders' Cup winner Just F Y I.
Like Kentucky stalwart McPeek, a delighted Hernandez was celebrating his first success in the marquee event.
"She's answered every question we've thrown at her," he said of the filly co-owned by Mark Edwards, Magdalena Racing (Sherri McPeek), Brookdale Racing, and breeder Judy Hicks. "This is something special. This will be my 20th year here at Churchill Downs watching the Kentucky Oaks. I came here as an 18yearold kid right out of high school.
“I will never forget coming here, being able to just watch the Oaks. To actually win one with my parents and my wife and kids in the audience, it's just a really special moment. It's something we are really going to enjoy."
Thorpedo Anna is named after co-owner Mark Edwards' granddaughter, swimmer Anna Thorpe, who was present to witness the victory.
"That was insane," said the filly's namesake approaching the winner's circle.
"I don't think any of us really thought she was going to win!"
Earlier on the card, Brad Cox trainee First Mission, partnered by Florent Geroux, captured the most prestigious win of his career to hand Godolphin victory in the G2 Alysheba Stakes at Churchill Downs at the expense of Japanese challenger T O Saint Denis.
