Skipping Breeders’ Cup Distaff, Equestrian World’s Icon Nest Takes a New Journey

The moniker, Nest has come to stand for brilliance and talent in the equestrian community. Since she was three years old in 2022, Nest, with her illustrious career, has won the Central Bank Ashland (G1), Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), and Alabama (G1). What’s more, she was the runner-up in the Belmont (G1) during her championship season.

Her purse earnings stand at an impressive $2.17 million. On Nov. 4 at Santa Anita, the Breeders’ Cup Distaff is set to take place, but in a series of events Instead of making a bid for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), Nest is set to embark on a new journey.

The equestrian world’s iconic Nest on a new journey

According to an Instagram post by Fasig-Tipton  “Nest secured Champion 3YO Filly honors last year with three Grade 1 victories… Eclipse Champion NEST will be offered as Hip 163 by Highgate Sales, agent, at The November Sale on November 7”. Nest, a stunning Curlin filly, is part of a partnership that includes Mike Repole, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, and Michael House.

The decision to skip the Breeders’ Cup Distaff and offer Nest at the upcoming Fasig-Tipton November sale has left the racing community both surprised and intrigued. As her trainer, Todd Pletcher, pointed out, “I’m not sure if Mike might buy the other 50 percent and run her back; I’m not sure what they’re going to do. She’s far from definitely being retired.”

Hurdles of Nest in her 4-year-old campaign

The journey of Nest in her 4-year-old campaign faced a hurdle when she fell ill during the spring, delaying her return to the racetrack. However, she made a triumphant comeback at Saratoga, winning the Shuvee (G2) and signaling her intent for a successful season. Despite a third-place finish in the Personal Ensign (G1), her performance in the Spinster raised questions about her preparedness for the Breeders’ Cup. Pletcher, her trainer, noticed that Nest’s training energy had waned, a far cry from the vitality she had exhibited before.

He shared that she seemed fine, and that she was galloping every day at Keeneland. However, he also noted that she did not have the same energy as before. While Nest’s decision to skip the Breeders’ Cup might come as a surprise, it also raises the possibility of a remarkable comeback in the future. Todd Pletcher, the trainer, compared Nest to another champion, Forte, who, due to a foot issue, was retired from racing, and he said, “She’s a filly that is a generational talent”. 

Read more: “An Honor”: Retired Equestrian Champion Forte Arrives at Spendthrift Farm, Standing Tall for $50,000

In addition to Nest, Pletcher also announced that Annapolis (Mile) and Be You (Juvenile) would not be pre-entered for Breeders’ Cup races. Nest’s skipping the Breeders’ Cup adds a new chapter to the story of generational talent, making the racing world eagerly await her next steps.

Watch this story: Turning to Formula 1 Girl, Mark Wahlberg’s Equestrian Daughter Discloses Her Race Ambitions