Thirty years after one of the biggest upsets in horse racing history, legendary trainers Richard Mandella and Bill Mott are locking horns once again. As the $1 million Pacific Classic Stakes (G1) approaches at Del Mar, the two Hall of Famers find themselves side-by-side in the shedrow—reliving memories of the fateful 1996 race that stopped an icon.
The Ghost of 1996 and Cigar's Streak
Back in August 1996, the racing world converged on Del Mar to watch reigning Horse of the Year Cigar chase his 17th consecutive victory. Managed by Mott, the champion drew massive crowds, heavy media attention, and even an overly enthusiastic fan who famously sneaked into his stall to swipe a handful of manure.
However, Mandella had other plans. Armed with Dare and Go, Mandella watched as a blistering early pace set up a stunning late-race pounce. Dare And Go blew past Cigar in the stretch, delivering a shocking defeat that left the racing community in stunned silence.
While the loss stung the Mott camp, it cemented a mutual respect between two titans of the sport. "Mott is unshakable. He's smart. He's a good sport, and a fierce, fierce competitor," Mandella reflected years later.
A New Generation of Contenders
Fast forward to the present, and the historical echoes are unmistakable. Mott has sent out the heavily favored Knightsbridge from the East Coast, cheekily taking up a stall in Mandella’s Del Mar barn without asking. In response, Mandella is saddling outsider Subsanador, looking to channel the giant-killing magic of 1996.
Knightsbridge enters the $1 million test following a dazzling 10 1/4-length victory in the Monmouth Cup Stakes (G3), where he posted a blistering 122 Beyer Speed Figure. Naturally, questions loom over whether the 5-year-old will experience a "bounce" after such a massive effort. Mott, however, remains unfazed by modern spacing concerns.
Meanwhile, Subsanador looks to bounce back from a rough outing in the Hollywood Gold Cup (G2) where a loose front shoe derailed his momentum. According to Mandella, his contender has been training exceptionally well since the mishap.
As the starting gates open for the 36th running of the Pacific Classic, the enduring rivalry between Mandella and Mott proves that while generations of champions come and go, true competitive fire never fades.
