Ultra-consistent WinStar Farm bred and co-owned Bishops Bay secured a breakthrough Graded stakes triumph on Sunday afternoon in the $175,000 Westchester S. (G3) at Belmont at the Big A going a one-turn mile for older horses.
Never worse than second in nine lifetime starts, Bishops Bay arrived at the Westchester from a pair of victories at Oaklawn Park. The most recent of these triumphs took place in the American Pharoah Overnight S., where he defeated next-out Derby Week stakes-winners Liberal Arts and Honor Marie.
Bishops Bay, a 5-year-old son of Uncle Mo, burst onto the scene early his sophomore season with two wins at Fair Grounds. Following a three-quarter length conquest going six furlongs on debut against eventual multiple Graded stakes-winning millionaire First Mission, he defeated winners at the New Orleans oval to earn “TDN Rising Star” status. He then finished a close second in the Peter Pan S. (G3) to eventual Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Arcangelo before another runner-up finish in the Ohio Derby (G3) behind now WinStar stallion Two Phil’s.
Bishops Bay was piloted by jockey Flavien Prat, who is now unbeaten in three starts aboard the bay horse.
“It seems like he’s getting everything together. It is fun to be around him,” Prat said. “Very brave and a lot of courage.”
The win brought Bishops Bay’s earnings past the half-million mark to $513,550 through a 9-6-3-0 record.
Bishops Bay is trained by dual Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox and, in addition to WinStar Farm, is owned by Spendthrift Farm, Steve Landers, Michael Dubb, Martin Schwartz, Ten Strike Racing, Jim Bakke, Titletown Racing, Kueber Racing, Big Easy Racing, Rick Kanter, and Michael J. Caruso.
Purchased for $450,000 from the Warrendale Sales consignment at the 2021 Keeneland September Sale, Bishops Bay is a half-brother to Graded stakes-winning and Classic-placed millionaire Catching Freedom. Both are out of the Grade 1-placed Pioneerof the Nile mare Catch My Drift.
