Authentic's Classic Time Changed, Still Track Record

After a more detailed review of Authentic  's victory in the $6 million Longines Breeders' Cup Classic (G1) Nov. 7 at Keeneland, officials determined he went a bit slower than initially credited but still secured the track record for 1 1/4 miles—now listed at 1:59.60.

According to Equibase and Keeneland, problems with the timing of the Classic occurred when, prior to the running, a photo eye at the start of the race was inadvertently tripped, which resulted in an error when attempting to operate the timing system manually. This caused inaccurate timing for all fractions and the final time of the race. 

Initially, a final time of 1:59.19 was provided by Equibase using the available video replay. After subsequent and more detailed review and timing of the race from multiple sources and camera angles, Keeneland and Equibase have determined the fractional times for the Classic (:23.20, :46.84, 1:10.32, 1:34.64) and confirmed a final time of 1:59.60. 

Campaigned by Spendthrift Farm, MyRacehorse.com, Madaket Stables, and Starlight Racing Stable, Authentic, led throughout and was guided to victory by John Velazquez. He was trained by Bob Baffert.

Authentic lowered the track record established the only other time Keeneland has hosted the Breeders' Cup, when Baffert-trained Triple Crown winner American Pharoah   completed the Classic in 2:00.07.

The Classic chart has been updated and the running of Authentic in the Breeders' Cup Classic is the official track record for the 1 1/4-mile distance at Keeneland.