11-06-2010, 11:34 AM
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- The Breeders' Cup began with fists flying in the winner's circle.
The mayhem was just starting.
Jockeys brawled and long shots dominated on a wild opening day, capped by Unrivaled Belle's victory in the $2 million Ladies' Classic under the lights Friday at Churchill Downs.
Unrivaled Belle ran 1 1-8 miles in 1:50.04, winning by 1¾ lengths over 3-2 favorite Blind Luck in front of 41,614.
Jockeys Calvin Borel and Javier Castellano traded punches after the first Breeders' Cup race, with an enraged Borel needing to be restrained. He was furious about a move in tight quarters by Castellano.
Shared Account scored the second-biggest upset in the event's 27-year history, winning the $2 million Filly & Mare Turf at 46-1 odds on a gray and chilly day.
Celebrity chef Bobby Flay earned his first Breeders' Cup victory as owner of More Than Real in the $1 million Juvenile Fillies Turf.
American horses won all of the six races. No jockey or trainer won more than one race on a day where horses and riders got around safely.
Off the track, though, was a stunningly different story.
The genteel atmosphere of the Breeders' Cup -- well-dressed fans, wealthy owners and gorgeous horses worth millions -- was jolted when Borel and the lesser known Castellano tangled in the winner's circle after the opening race.
Borel charged Castellano shortly after the $500,000 Marathon, angry over a mid-race move in traffic that endangered Borel and fellow rider Martin Garcia.
Borel, the usually smiling three-time winner of the Kentucky Derby, turned livid during the fight that went on for several minutes in front of startled onlookers. His eyes bulged and the veins in his forehead stood out as he resisted being held back.
Eventually, his wife and brother each took one of his arms and marched Borel back to the jockeys' room, where further scuffling broke out between the two riders. He later apologized and rode in two other races, but didn't win.
The races went off without Zenyatta, who was back in her barn waiting to defend her title Saturday in the $5 million Classic against the boys. She will put her 19-0 winning streak on the line in the 1¼-mile race, the richest in North America.