Sierra Leone (horse)

Sierra Leone (named after the West African country with the same name) (foaled March 31, 2021) is a multiple-Grade winning American Thoroughbred racehorse. In 2024, as a three-year-old colt, he won the Breeders' Cup Classic.

Sierra Leone is a dark bay or brown colt who was bred in Kentucky by Debby Oxley. The Oxley family has long been involved with breeding and owner, primarily with John Oxley, Debby's husband.^[3]

Oxley family's influence on the breeding of Sierra Leone goes back to the second dam, Darling My Darling, whom John Oxley purchased for $300,000 during the 1998 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. Darling My Darling retired with earnings of $352,359 in 13 efforts with a record of 5–2–1. Darling My Darling went on to produce 14 foals, two of which were graded winning fillies; Forever Darling captured the Grade II Santa Ynez Stakes for her connections, and Heavenly Love, the dam of Sierra Leone won the 2017 Grade I Alcibiades Stakes for the Oxleys and trainer Mark E. Casse. Heavenly Love retired with earnings of $346,200 from 10 starts with a record of 2–0–2.^[3]

On August 9, 2022, Sierra Leone, consigned by Gainesway as Hip 202 at the Saratoga Sale, Fasig-Tipton's select yearling sale in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. was sold for US$2.3 million to Coolmore Stud's Michael V. Magnier in partnership with Peter Brant of White Birch Farm. Sierra Leone's sire Gun Runner was the third-ranked sire by both gross ($5,635,000) and average ($704,375) from eight horses sold of nine offered at the sale.^[4] In 2023, Gun Runner was the third ranked sire in progeny earnings with $17,532,118.^[5] In 2024 Gun Runner stands at Three Chimneys Farm in Kentucky for US$250,000.

In 2023, Coolmore Stud expanded the owner partnership of the horse to include Derrick Smith, Michael Tabor, Westerburg and Rocket Ship Racing.^[3] In 2024, Rocket Ship Racing registered back to Brook T. Smith.^[3]

Sierra Leone is trained by Chad C. Brown.^[2]

Sierra Leone made his debut on November 4 in a maiden special weight event over 1 mile at Aqueduct Racetrack. He broke from post 5, bobbled at the start, was roused three wide on the turn, came five wide into upper stretch, and won with Manuel Franco aboard by one and one-quarter lengths in a time of 1:36.94.^[6]

In his next start on December 2, Sierra Leone started in the Grade II Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct Racetrack a Road to the Kentucky Derby prep event over 1+1⁄8 miles. He dropped back between horses after the start and made a five-wide drive, rallying from last in the field of 10 as the horses entered the stretch. Sierra Leone poked his head in front of leader Dornoch with a furlong to run but the latter fought back and won by a nose in a time of 1:50.30 over a muddy, sealed track.^[7]

On February 17, 2024, Sierra Leone began his three-year-old campaign in the Grade II Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. Starting as the 2/1 favorite, he was unhurried early on and uncorked his winning rally in the stretch, prevailing by a half-length in the 1+1⁄8-mile event.^[3]

In his next start on April 6, in the Grade I Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland Sierra Leone did not want to load in the starting gate, delaying the start by a couple of minutes. He rallied from ninth to overhaul Just a Touch late in the stretch to win the event by 1+1⁄2 lengths with his Remsen rival Dornoch finishing fourth. The winning time of 1:50.08 was moderate for the 1+1⁄8-mile. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione commented after the race, "He has so much ability, and he does things so easily. We haven't even gotten close to the bottom of him yet." He attributed the horse's gate antics to getting worked up as the final horse to load on the far outside in front of a large crowd at Keeneland.^[8]

As a result of his wins in the Risen Star Stakes and Blue Grass Stakes, Sierra Leone finished first in the qualification standings in the Road to the Kentucky Derby and entered the Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites.^[8] He lost the race by a nose to Mystik Dan in a photo finish.^[9]

On June 8, 2024, the Belmont Stakes was held at Saratoga Race Course due to renovations at Belmont Park. Sierra Leone entered the race as the 9-5 favorite, following a narrow second-place finish in the Kentucky Derby. Under jockey Flavien Prat, Sierra Leone delivered a strong performance, finishing third, 1½ lengths behind the winner, Dornach. ^[10]

Returning to Saratoga Race Course on July 27 for the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes, Sierra Leone faced a competitive field. After trailing in last place early in the race, he made a significant move around the final turn. Despite a strong inside run, he finished second, one length behind Fierceness. ^[11]

On August 24, Sierra Leone competed in the Grade 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga, aiming to capitalize on his proven stamina over the 1¼-mile distance. He was far back to start as usual, before launching a bid in the stretch. Ultimately, Sierra Leone secured a third-place finish, with Fierceness taking the victory and impressive filly Thorpedo Anna finishing second. ^[12]

On November 2, 2024, he delivered an outstanding performance to win the Breeders' Cup Classic, defeating two-year-old champion Fierceness by 1 ½ lengths. After starting near the back of the field, he took advantage of a fast early pace and unleashed a powerful late kick to prevail in a final time of 2:00.78.^[13]

Notes:
An (*) asterisk after the odds means Sierra Leone was the post-time favorite.