Her Emmynency Wins Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup

Her Emmynency Wins Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup: Dawn and Ike Thrash’s Her Emmynency held off a late bid from Miss Temple City to win by a head in the 32nd running of the $500,000 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Lane’s End for 3-year-old fillies before a Saturday afternoon crowd of 23,788.

Trained by Mike Stidham and ridden by Florent Geroux, Her Emmynency covered the 1 1/8 miles on a firm turf course in 1:48.84. It was the first victory in the race for Stidham and Geroux.

Mizz Money set the pace from her inside post with Her Emmynency in closest pursuit through fractions of :23.40, :47.30 and 1:12.16.

On the far turn, Geroux sent Her Emmynency after the leader and emerged at the head of the stretch with the lead and Prize Exhibit (GB) and Miss Temple City in closest pursuit. Her Emmynency kicked away from her rivals and had enough left to hold off Miss Temple City.

A claim of foul lodged by the owners of Miss Temple City was disallowed.

A 2013 Keeneland September Yearling Sale graduate, Her Emmynency is a Kentucky-bred daughter of Successful Appeal out of the Joyeux Danseur mare Chic Dancer. The victory was worth $300,000 and boosted Her Emmynency’s earnings to $540,250 with a record of 7-4-2-0.

Her Emmynency returned $40, $15.20 and $6.40. Miss Temple City, ridden by Drayden Van Dyke, returned $8.60 and $3.60 while favored Sentiero Italia finished 2¾ lengths back in third and paid $2.20 to show under Joel Rosario.

Olorda (GER) ran fourth and was followed in order by Return to Grace, Blond Me (IRE), Prize Exhibit (GB), Feathered and Mizz Money.

Racing continues Sunday with a nine-race program that begins at 1:05 p.m. ET.

Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Replay:

Source: Keeneland