Marsha first home for Europe as Stormy Liberal leads home Peter Miller one-two

European horses were shut out in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar on Saturday as Stormy Liberal and Richard's Boy dominated.

Stormy Liberal caused a 40-1 upset at Del Mar (EclipseSportswire)

Marsha ran a gallant race in defeat in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint as Stormy Liberal took top honours at Del Mar.

The Sir Mark Prescott-trained Nunthorpe winner was slightly worse than mid-division through the early stages, with Pure Sensation setting a furious pace at the head of affairs, while old rival Lady Aurelia - twice a Royal Ascot winner and so narrowly edged out of it at York - was not too far off the speed on the rail.

The latter did not find much when it mattered in the straight, but Marsha kept on well under Luke Morris, eventually finishing sixth.

Prescott said: "Luke thought turning for home he was in with a shout. I thought she was always in the right place and travelled well, so I have no complaints.

"She has been the most consistent sprinter in the northern hemisphere, and always runs her race. All credit to Elite Racing (Club), as they not only own her, but bred her. How many clubs that size do that?"

The Heath House handler was having the first Breeders' Cup runner of his long and illustrious career, and added: "I have no plans for retirement just yet. But after 47 seasons, you have to admit you are getting towards the end. This will be my 48th lot of yearlings, and I like to think I will keep going for a bit longer."

Winning trainer Peter Miller said: “I’m just elated to win a Breeders’ Cup at home. It’s just amazing. The first win I’ve ever had, I thought we had home court advantage and they ran to that.

"Richard’s Boy ran his butt off. I couldn’t be prouder of these horses. They’re just two gutsy, tough, hard-knocking horses.”

Jockey Joel Rosario said: “He broke well. I asked him a little to get my spot. They were going very fast in front. But I listened to Peter. He said to stay inside and save some ground then make my run. I did that and it worked out perfect. He really was there for me. He did all the work.”

Lady Aurelia was deeply disapppointing in tenth and jockey John Velazquez said: “I had a perfect trip. There were a couple speed horses so I let them go. I got into a spot I wanted at the 3/8pole and she was just flat down the lane.”

Charlie Hills said of his runner Cotai Glory: "He couldn't really handle the turn as he was five wide, but he has run well enough. That's it for him, he is now retired and may go to stud."