Team Valor International and Gary Barber’s Facteur Cheval (IRE), making his second start in the U.S., surged through the stretch to give jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. his fourth win of the day in Thursday’s featured $150,000 Godolphin Purse for 3-year-olds and up on the turf. (Click here for a video of the race.)

A 7-year-old gelding by Ribchester (IRE), Facteur Cheval won for the first time since the Dubai Duty Turf (G1) Sponsored by DP World in March 2024 at Meydan Racecourse. 

Trained by Mark Casse, Facteur Cheval made his American debut when sixth in the Mint Millions Invitational (G3) Sept. 7 at Kentucky Downs. He won Thursday by a half-length over Highway Robber on the firm course in 1:40.82.

Ortiz’s other winners Thursday came aboard Sargent Bilko in the first, Juana Margarita in the fifth and Outfielder in the seventh. 

Facteur Cheval, the 7-2 second choice now with seven wins in 28 starts and $5,741,246 in earnings, returned $9.18, $4.58 and 3.52. Highway Robber, making his first start in more than 14 months under Tyler Gaffalione, paid $4.54 and $3.54. Funtastic Again and Luis Saez finished third and paid $4.84. 

*************************

Friday is Big Blue Day in celebration of Homecoming Weekend at the University of Kentucky. In a day of Thoroughbred racing and UK pride, fans will enjoy performances by the UK Alumni Band, cheerleaders and Dance Team. The afternoon also will feature appearances by UK legends and special Winner’s Circle events. Keeneland Bugler Steve Buttleman has been known to lead fans in the UK fight song, “On! On! U of K.”

Keeneland’s 10-race card will begin at 1 p.m. ET. The featured race is the 32^nd running of the $400,000 Sycamore (G2) for 3-year-old and older horses racing 1½ miles on the turf. Post time of the Sycamore is 5:16 p.m.

On Saturday at 7 p.m., UK hosts LSU in football.