NY Turf Writers Cup: Bob Le Beau romps, Divine Fortune
fatally injured
Thursday’s $150,000
New York Turf Writers Cup (NSA-G1) was marred by the fatal fall of 2013
Eclipse Award champion Divine Fortune (Royal Anthem). After customarily leading
throughout, William Pape and Jonathan Sheppard’s homebred came to grief at the
final fence. Numerous social media reports communicated the grim news: the
12-year-old warrior suffered a broken shoulder and had to be euthanized.
Just as Divine Fortune fell, the ultimately victorious Bob Le Beau (Big Bad
Bob) was ranging up to challenge. Patiently ridden by Jack Doyle, the Irish
import bided his time near the rear early, and traveled powerfully while angling
in to save ground for the final turn. The Elizabeth Voss charge found a seam at
the head of the lane, and jumped that fateful fence in unison with Divine
Fortune, before going on to romp by 7 1/4 lengths.
Schoodic (Tiznow) rallied to finish a clear second. Charminster (Broadway
Flyer), who had to avoid Divine Fortune, wound up third.
The 2-1 favorite Demonstrative (Elusive Quality), seeking his third Turf
Writers Cup trophy, was eased up on the final turn but returned to be unsaddled
on his own power. He’s a stablemate of Divine Fortune, in a heartbreaking day
for the barn.
Bob Le Beau was a multiple Group 3-placed stakes winner in Ireland for
Jessica Harrington before shipping stateside.