(Simply in Front wins the G1 First Lady Stakes at Keenelan / All Photos by Coady Media)

From the Keeneland Media Team / Amy Owens:

Quotes from the $800,000 First Lady (G1) at Keeneland

Click here for a replay of the race and the post-race interview with winning connections.

Ben Curtis (winning rider of Simply in Front)

On getting his first Grade 1 win

“It’s unbelievable. I can’t put it into words, to be honest with you, and getting it for (trainer) Eddie (Kenneally) as well. I first came over for him years ago. He used to tell me I was breezing them wrong, but I think we finally got something right! To do it for him, all the team there, Catherine (Mrs. Kenneally) and the kids, it means the world to me. She’s a really nice filly and everything went perfect today.”

On how he worked out the trip as a lot of horses came together at the end

“She wants that two turns. She really gets into the race, relaxes, and she’s got that kick at the end. She got beat by a very good filly last time at Kentucky Downs (Ag Bullet in the Never Say Die Ladies Turf Sprint-G2 Aug. 30) and she was running her down at the line. On that form I thought she had every chance coming here. I just rode the best filly in the race, and when that seam came I put her in there and she did the rest. I just enjoyed it.”

Eddie Kenneally (winning trainer)

On being part of jockey Ben Curtis’s first Grade 1 win:

“It’s great. I’m glad Ben  was on board today. We got a really good trip and a beautiful ride. The filly is good right now, so it all feels great. She’s had a phenomenal year already prior to today, and today is the icing on the cake. I think she can continue to improve.”

On what’s next on Simply in Front’s calendar

“We’ll look at a couple of races that are available to her at Del Mar on Breeders’ Cup (weekend). We’ll get together with John (Brnjas of Colebrook Farms), the owner, and come up with a plan.”

Flavien Prat (rider of runner-up Segesta)

“I used a little bit to get a position going into the first turn, and I was able to get myself a cover down the backside. Gave me a nice breather. In the turn for home, she gave me a good run.”

Frankie Dettori (rider of third-place finisher Choisya-GB)

“I had to take the gap. That possibly made me go a little too early. I made the lead, but then I could feel a break in front, waiting for the others. Then I came wide, and she didn’t see her. Unfortunately, you have to take the chance when they come. But if I had to run the race again, I would have been a little bit more patient. I wasn’t beaten fast, so it could have made a difference.”

Dylan Davis (rider of seventh-place finisher and beaten favorite Dynamic Pricing-IRE)

“I was just trying to get in a good position for the first turn. Comfortably, she finds herself in that spot. I worked my way down the backside and found myself another flight. I thought I was in good shape, but she just wasn’t there for me today. She felt good, but it just wasn’t her day. She never kicked on from there until the quarter pole.”

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Since its first race meet 89 years ago, the Keeneland Association has devoted itself to the health and vibrancy of the Thoroughbred industry. The world’s largest Thoroughbred auction house, Keeneland conducts five on-site sales a year, in January, April, September and November. Graduates of Keeneland sales dominate racing across the globe at every level. In April and October, Keeneland offers some of the highest caliber and richest Thoroughbred racing in the world. Keeneland will host the Breeders’ Cup World Championships in 2026 for the fourth time, following 2015, 2020 and 2022. Uniquely structured, Keeneland is a privately held company with a not-for-profit mission that returns its earnings to the industry and the community in the form of higher purses and millions of dollars donated in support of horse industry initiatives and charitable contributions for education, research, and health and human services throughout Central Kentucky. Keeneland also maintains Keeneland Library, a world-renowned public research institution with the mission of preserving information about the Thoroughbred industry. To learn more, visit Keeneland.com.

For more information email Keeneland Communications Associate Amy Owens at aowens@keeneland.com