George Boughey's Survie just took off, sweeping past rivals to land the Grade 1 Christophe Clement Turf Stakes at Saratoga. This victory marks a significant achievement for Boughey, who has now achieved four top-level wins this year, with Survie being his most recent success. The five-year-old horse, owned by Michael Tabor, a prominent figure in Coolmore, has been on a winning streak in the US, having previously won the Grade 2 Glen Falls Stakes over the same track and trip. Survie's performance in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes was particularly impressive, as she was last moving into the home straight but then brought to the outside by rider Manny Franco with a furlong to run, clearing away from her rivals to strike by three-quarters of a length.
What makes this achievement even more remarkable is the horse's history. Survie was previously trained by Nicolas Clement and Frauke Hermans in France, and her transition to Boughey's care has been a success, with her winning three victories since the switch. The daughter of Churchill is now set to target more major US prizes, with a tilt at the Breeders' Cup Turf at Keeneland later this year. Boughey's strategy is to run her twice and then bring her home for a period of rest and preparation.
The Christophe Clement Turf Stakes, previously known as the Sword Dancer Stakes, was run in honor of the legendary trainer Christophe Clement for the first time this year. Clement, who died in May last year at the age of 59, won the race a record five times. The race's new name and the inclusion of a tribute to Clement highlight the significance of the event and the impact of the trainer's legacy on the racing world.
Survie's victory in the Christophe Clement Turf Stakes is a testament to Boughey's training skills and the horse's potential. With her recent success and her future targets, Survie is poised to become a prominent figure in US horse racing, and Boughey's continued success with her bodes well for her future achievements.
