White Abarrio Wins $6M Breeders’ Cup Classic; Trainer Rick Dutrow Returns to Top After 10-Year Suspension

White Abarrio's victory marks a return to form after a period of inconsistent performance and a change in trainers, while trainer Rick Dutrow's triumphant return follows a decade-long suspension due to numerous violations.

White Abarrio, a 4-year-old colt ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., claimed victory in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, marking a significant win for trainer Rick Dutrow, who recently returned to the sport after a 10-year suspension.
White Abarrio had a tumultuous journey leading up to the Breeders’ Cup Classic, including a 16th-place finish in the Kentucky Derby last year and inconsistent performances thereafter. This year, however, he started showing marked improvement, finishing third in the Met Mile and winning the Whitney Handicap.
The horse was transferred to trainer Rick Dutrow earlier this year after his former trainer, Saffie Joseph Jr., faced a suspension due to two of his other horses dying unexpectedly. Dutrow, who faced a 10-year suspension for a history of violations, had previously won the Classic in 2005 with Saint Liam.
Despite doubts earlier in the year, White Abarrio began to excel under Dutrow's training, demonstrating significant speed and receiving praise as a leading American star in horse racing.
The Breeders’ Cup victories also highlighted other trainers and jockeys. Bill Mott won three races, making him a leading trainer during the event, while jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. also touted three wins, including his victorious ride with White Abarrio.