by Pete Denk

English synthetic track specialist Muhannak (Ire) upset the field in the inaugural running of the $517,540 Breeders’ Cup Marathon on Saturday at the Oak Tree meet at Santa Anita Park, prevailing in an eight-horse field that included favored English classic winner Sixties Icon (GB).

Muhannak, a four-year-old Chester House gelding, entered off a stakes win at Dundalk in Ireland. He improved his synthetic track record to five wins from eight starts with the win at odds of 12.40-to-1.

Rated in fourth under jockey Pat Smullen through a mile in 1:40.95, Muhannak commenced his run on the far turn and took the lead at the quarter pole. He held off Grade 3 winner Church Service by a head for the win. Big Booster finished third, three-quarters of a length behind Church Service.

The final time for 1½ miles on the synthetic Pro-Ride surface was 2:28.24. It was Smullen’s first Breeders’ Cup victory in eight mounts.

“It’s a dream come true for me to win a Breeders’ Cup,” Smullen said.

Owned by Richard Pegum, Muhannak is trained by Ralph Beckett, who saddled his first Breeders’ Cup starter. The emotional trainer praised Muhannak’s heart and ability to travel.

The bettors made 2006 Ladbrokes St. Leger (Eng-G1) winner Sixties Icon the 7-to-5 wagering favorite, but he finished fifth. Rider Frankie Dettori said his colt handled the Pro-Ride surface but encountered some traffic on the turn and was unable to overtake the leaders in the stretch.

“He handled the track all right, but the pace was too slow for him,” Dettori said.

Out of the winning Forzando (GB) mare Opera (GB), Muhannak was bred in Ireland by Mount Coote Stud. He improved to seven wins in 15 lifetime starts and has earned $422,675.

For a video replay of the Breeders' Cup Marathon, click here.

For an Equibase chart, click here.

Pete Denk is sales editor for Thoroughbred Times