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It has been an incredible season of adrenaline rushes. Be it the glories of Frankie Dettori, or the exhilarating Pegasus World Cup, the horse racing community has witnessed some memorable moments in 2023. Now, as the season comes to a close, we take a look at some of the memorable moments.

The action-packed schedule started with the Grade 1 Pegasus World Cup, followed by Irad Ortiz Jr.’s heroics at Gulfstream Park. Limelight then moved to Grade 1 Personal Ensign S. and finally to Frankie Dettori’s victory.

Memorable horse racing moments from 2023

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In the latest post, Thoroughbred Daily News recounted the memorable pictures from 2023. The season started with the All Ages Sale where over a hundred horses were sold. Then followed the exhilarating Pegasus World Cup, where Art Collector secured a textbook four-and-a-half length victory. Art Collector was ridden by jockey Alvarado, who finished 2nd in last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.

April witnessed Irad Ortiz Jr.’s heroics in the $1 Million Florida Derby (Grade 1). The five-time Champion Jockey won the prestigious derby aboard Forte. Ortiz Jr. ended the season with the coveted $6 Million Classic (G1), $2 Million Sprint (G1), and $1 million Filly and Mare Sprint (G1). He was then rewarded with his fifth Bill Shoemaker Award at the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

In July, the world witnessed a historical moment in animal racing as Ashley Kalinoski went back to back at Penn National. She won the race aboard The Candyman Can. Although it was followed by dismay at Saratoga when four races got canceled, the horse racing community was soon left beaming by Frankie Dettori.

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Frankie Dettori and other winners

In an enthralling display of speed and agility, Florent Geroux won the Grade 1 Personal Ensign S. aboard Idiomatic (Curlin). Frankie Dettori soon doubled the joy after winning the Lure S. aboard French-bred Easter (Exosphere). Dettori later retired from British horse racing and then explored the jungle on I’m a Celebrity sets.

READ MORE: “I Was 2”: Ohio Student Equestrian Shares Story of Entry Into the Sport After Gaining Recognition From US Eventing Association

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Breeders’ Cup 2023 provided a final touch to an already blockbuster season as Ortiz Jr. took the prestigious cup. Leading the charts, he rode three Breeders’ Cup winners while Ryan Moore and Junior Alvarado rode two each. For trainers, Bill Mott led with three winners while Aidan O’Brien and Chad Brown followed with two. As always, Santa Anita Park delivered a perfect ending to the season.

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