Jockey Shane Foley is aiming to conclude Hotazhell’s racing career with a strong performance at the Breeders’ Cup Turf at Keeneland, foregoing a potential run at British Champions Day. The decision follows the horse’s recent success in Europe, highlighted by back-to-back Group One victories—the Grosser Dallmayr-Preis in Munich and a surprising win in the Irish Champion Stakes.

Despite having the opportunity to target the Champion Stakes at Ascot and possibly become only the third horse since 2011 to win both that race and the Leopardstown feature in the same season, Hotazhell’s connections opted against it. Previous horses to complete this double include Almanzor in 2016 and Magical in 2019. According to Foley, the choice was influenced by ground conditions and competition levels.

“Hotazhell has not really had deep ground since his two-year-old season, when he won the Futurity Trophy at Doncaster,” Foley explained. “Ascot wouldn’t have offered that, so the alternatives were either to face Calandagan and Ombudsman there or take our chance in America.”

The horse’s owners, who are American and live near Keeneland, saw the Breeders’ Cup as a fitting final challenge for the colt. Foley noted the horse’s promising form at two years old but acknowledged inconsistency during his three-year-old season, while emphasizing how well Hotazhell has performed throughout the current year.

“It’s been a great season overall, so it would be a significant achievement for the owners to see him run at the Breeders’ Cup,” Foley said.

Hotazhell is expected to travel to the United States shortly, with preparations underway for the race at Keeneland later this year.