In every one of Adare Manor ‘s nine previous wins, she either set or prompted the pace, but in the Grade 1 Clement L. Hirsch Stakes presented by Oak Tree Racing Association Aug. 3 at Del Mar, she proved she doesn’t require everything to go her own way. Instead, she overcame traffic trouble and triumphed over a very tough shipper in Scylla to get the victory.
Adare Manor is an “Amazon,” in trainer Bob Baffert’s words. A mare that size can have difficulty revving back up if she is stopped in traffic. But Adare Manor is in her best form ever at age 5, and she demonstrated versatility in the Hirsch. That ability will be a useful arrow in her quiver for this fall’s Longines Breeders’ Cup Distaff, which will be held at Del Mar. The Clement Hirsch was a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” race, and the win gave Adare Manor an automatic, fees-paid berth into the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.
Adare Manor is now three-for-three in 2024 after taking the Grade 1 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park and the Grade 2 Santa Margarita Stakes at Santa Anita. She won the Hirsch for the second year in a row.