DEL MAR, Calif., Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Saturday's $5 million Grade I Longines Turf, highlight of the grass portion of the Breeders' Cup World Championships, played out as the expected battle among European horses, but the winner, Ethical Diamond, was never a part of the early calculations -- even by his trainer.
The expected stars were 7-year-old gelding Rebel's Romance, already a two-time winner of the race, and Minnie Hauk, a 3-year-old filly last seen finishing second in the Group 1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
Rebel's Romance played his role Saturday, always close. Minnie Hauk, too, was a factor, taking the lead at the top of the stretch in the 1 1/2-mile race.
But Ethical Diamond, coming from near the rear of the field, swept by outside all of them to win by 1 1/4 lengths. Rebel's Romance held well to finish second, but Minnie Hauk faded to finish sixth.
Ethical Diamond, trained by William Mullins and ridden by Dylan McMonagle, was clocked in 2:25.43.
