January 2018
Congratulations to John Sadler
The California Thoroughbred Foundation salutes its trustee John Sadler on the incredible year he had as a trainer in 2018. Always among the leaders in California, Sadler sent out Hronis Racing’s Accelerate for a nearly perfect season, which culminated in the horse’s victory in the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) at Churchill Downs Nov. 3.
Accelerate began the year by winning the San Pasqual Stakes (G2) and Santa Anita Handicap (G1). He suffered his only 2018 defeat in the Oaklawn Handicap (G2) in Arkansas, losing by just a neck to the talented City of Light, who later won the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1). Accelerate subsequently collected trophies in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1), TVG Pacific Classic (G1), and Awesome Again (G1) stakes before the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Sadler’s first victory in a Breeders’ Cup race.
With earnings of $5,005,000 for the year, Accelerate is vying with Triple Crown winner Justify for 2018 Horse of the Year honors. Congratulations, John!